The Food Safety & Quality Manager is responsible for leading and managing the facility's food safety, quality and assurance programs on an ongoing basis. This role ensures that all products consistently meet company, customer, and regulatory standards, and that a safe and compliant work environment is maintained throughout the facility. The manager works closely with production leadership to sustain product integrity, regulatory compliance, and a strong culture of safety and accountability.
This position assumes responsibility for established SQF, HACCP, and food safety systems and is focused on their effective execution, continuous improvement, and ongoing compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Food Safety & Quality Assurance
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Lead and manage the facility's food safety and quality assurance programs in accordance with SQF, HACCP, GMPs, and applicable regulatory requirements
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Serve as the facility's designated SQF Practitioner, maintaining the SQF Food Safety Management System and ensuring ongoing compliance with the current SQF Code edition
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Oversee quality inspections, in-process monitoring, and finished product testing to verify conformance to established specifications
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Ensure HACCP plans, prerequisite programs (PRPs), and supporting documentation remain current, accurate, and effectively implemented
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Manage the facility's allergen control program, including procedures, monitoring, and verification activities for gluten-free compliance
- Maintain, execute and oversee various certification programs (i.e. Organic, OU Kosher, etc)
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Maintain and execute the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP), including scheduling, sampling, result trending, and corrective action follow-through
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Investigate product deviations and non-conformances; lead root cause analysis and implement effective corrective and preventive actions
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Manage customer complaint investigations, document findings, and communicate outcomes to relevant stakeholders
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Coordinate and lead internal audits; serve as the primary point of contact for external SQF certification audits, regulatory inspections, and customer audits
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Maintain supplier approval and verification records in accordance with SQF and FSMA requirements
Sanitation & GMP Oversight
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Monitor and verify execution of the facility's Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) and sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs)
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Conduct regular GMP inspections of production areas and document findings; ensure timely corrective action on identified gaps
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Oversee pest control program in coordination with the contracted pest control provider; review service reports and trend findings
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Ensure sanitation and hygiene standards are consistently maintained across all production and support areas
Documentation & Recordkeeping
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Maintain accurate and complete records for all food safety, quality, and workplace safety programs in accordance with SQF, regulatory, and company requirements
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Oversee document control for all quality and safety SOPs, forms, and programs; ensure version control and timely review cycles are maintained
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Compile and analyze quality and safety data to identify trends; prepare periodic reports for management review
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Ensure records are retained in compliance with applicable regulatory and certification requirements
Training & Team Development
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Train production employees and supervisors on food safety procedures, GMP compliance, quality standards, and workplace safety protocols
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Lead ongoing food safety culture initiatives across the facility; reinforce accountability for GMP and safety compliance at all levels
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Assist supervisors and production leadership with compliance training and ensure all employees understand their regulatory and company obligations
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Identify training gaps through audit findings, deviations, and observations; develop and deliver targeted corrective training as needed
Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Work closely with production, maintenance, and management teams to address quality and safety concerns and support continuous improvement
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Support operational improvement initiatives and process optimization with a food safety and quality lens
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Provide guidance and leadership on regulatory compliance and best practices to all levels of the organization
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Assist leadership with risk management and compliance planning
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Qualifications
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Experience in food safety, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance within a food manufacturing environment
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Demonstrated working knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, SQF (or equivalent GFSI scheme), and food safety program management
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Experience leading or actively participating in SQF or equivalent third-party certification audits
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Strong recordkeeping, documentation, and organizational skills
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Ability to lead training and communicate effectively across all levels of the organization
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Proficiency with computer systems for documentation, reporting, and data management
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Ability to work both strategically and tactically in a manufacturing environment.
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Ability to handle customer complaints and quality-related concerns.
Preferred
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Associate's or bachelor's degree in Food Science, Quality Assurance, or a related field preferred NOTE: equivalent experience considered
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Active SQF Practitioner certification or willingness to obtain upon hire
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PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification or willingness to obtain upon hire
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Experience in food processing environments preferably in grain milling, cereal processing, or specialty food manufacturing
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Familiarity with gluten-free certification requirements (GFCO or equivalent)
Work Environment
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Ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 50 lbs as needed.
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Exposure to industrial equipment, noise, dust, and temperature variations may occur.
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Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when on the production floor.
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The position will require extended periods of walking, standing, and navigating the facility.
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Occasional extended hours, weekends, and on-call responsibilities may be necessary to support plant operations and workforce needs.
- Employees must be clean-shaven when performing tasks that require respiratory protection.
Compensation & Benefits
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Competitive salary based on experience
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Health, dental, and vision insurance
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Paid time off and holidays
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Retirement benefits
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Opportunities for advancement and professional development
