What are the responsibilities and job description for the FSQA II Manager position at Alpha Executive Search?
FSQA Manager II – Alabama - Relocation Assistance Available
Position Summary
The FSQA Manager II leads all food safety and quality assurance programs at the plant level, ensuring compliance with company standards, customer requirements, and USDA-FSIS regulations. This role partners closely with Operations to drive product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, while overseeing FSQA staff and maintaining authority for product disposition decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead implementation and oversight of FSQA programs, including HACCP, SSOPs, GMPs, environmental monitoring, allergen control, and pest control
- Ensure compliance with USDA-FSIS, GFSI, and internal audit standards; manage regulatory relationships and inspections
- Make final decisions on product holds, releases, and dispositions
- Lead root cause investigations for pathogen findings, quality issues, and customer complaints; implement corrective actions
- Develop, coach, and manage FSQA team members; foster a strong food safety culture through training and cross-functional collaboration
- Monitor FSQA KPIs, analyze trends, and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Partner with Operations and Corporate teams to address non-compliance and improve plant performance
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 5 years of food manufacturing experience with FSQA leadership responsibility
- Experience in Ready-To-Eat (RTE) environments with strong knowledge of HACCP and FDA / USDA regulations
- Proven leadership experience managing salaried and hourly teams
- Strong knowledge of USDA/FSIS requirements and food safety systems
- Demonstrated problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills
Preferred
- Advanced degree
- Experience with SAP or enterprise systems
- Background in Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Work Environment
- Ability to work in hot/cold environments, stand for extended periods, and lift up to 50 lbs
- Flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and travel as needed