Quality Control and Assurance Manager
Location: Paw Paw, MI
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Vice President of Quality Assurance/New Product Development
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and driven Quality Control and Assurance Manager to lead all quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance programs within our beverage processing facility. This critical leadership role is responsible for ensuring that all products meet regulatory requirements, food safety standards, and customer quality expectations while fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food and beverage manufacturing, proven leadership experience, and extensive knowledge of food safety systems, audits, and quality management programs.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Management
- Direct and oversee all quality assurance and quality control activities within the facility.
- Ensure products consistently meet food safety, quality, and customer requirements.
- Develop, implement, and maintain quality management systems and programs.
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and standards, including FDA, USDA, USDA Organic, MDARD, SQF, and other relevant food safety requirements.
- Maintain audit readiness and lead regulatory, customer, and third-party audits.
- Stay current with regulatory changes and implement necessary updates.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, train, and develop the Quality Assurance team.
- Establish performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching and support.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and food safety excellence.
Product Testing & Quality Control
- Oversee raw material inspections, laboratory testing, in-process monitoring, and finished product evaluations.
- Review quality data and trends to ensure product consistency and specification compliance.
- Collaborate with production teams to address quality concerns proactively.
Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Actions
- Investigate quality incidents, non-conformances, and customer complaints.
- Conduct root cause analyses and implement effective Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
- Monitor the effectiveness of corrective actions and drive long-term improvements.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate quality records, testing results, audit findings, and compliance documentation.
- Prepare and present quality reports to senior leadership and regulatory agencies as required.
- Ensure documentation meets company and regulatory standards.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve product quality, operational efficiency, and food safety programs.
- Lead initiatives that reduce waste, improve consistency, and drive cost savings.
- Support new product development and process improvement efforts.
Training & Auditing
- Ensure employees receive training on quality systems, food safety procedures, GMPs, and regulatory requirements.
- Conduct internal audits and monitor compliance across departments.
- Support supplier quality and vendor audit activities when required.
Customer Satisfaction
- Manage customer quality concerns and complaint investigations.
- Work cross-functionally to resolve issues and implement preventive measures.
- Support customer audits and quality-related inquiries.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Experience
- Minimum of 3 years of quality assurance or food safety experience in a food or beverage manufacturing environment.
- Minimum of 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
- Experience managing audits, regulatory compliance, and quality management systems.
Required Certifications
- HACCP Certification
- SQF Certification and/or Practitioner experience
- Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI)
- Food Defense Certification
- Additional food safety certifications preferred
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong understanding of FDA, USDA, USDA Organic, SQF, and food safety regulations.
- Experience with laboratory testing and quality assurance programs.
- Excellent leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and Word.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, temperature variations, wet conditions, and food processing equipment.
- Ability to walk, stand, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds as needed.
- Must follow all GMP, sanitation, and PPE requirements.
Why Join Us?
We offer a collaborative environment where quality and innovation are at the forefront of everything we do. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on product excellence, food safety, and customer satisfaction while leading a dedicated quality team within a growing organization.
Apply today and help us maintain the highest standards in beverage manufacturing and food safety.
