Quality Assurance Manager - Food and Beverage

Quality Assurance (QA) Manager – Food Industry

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading all food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance activities within the facility. With a strong background in food microbiology, this role ensures that all products are consistently manufactured by high-quality company standards as well as industry, customer, and regulatory requirements. The QA Manager oversees the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of food safety programs, microbiological testing protocols, and quality systems to maintain the highest level of product integrity and consumer safety.

Key Responsibilities

Quality & Food Safety Leadership

• Develop, implement, and maintain the facility’s Food Safety Management System, including HACCP, SQF, GMPs, and prerequisite programs.
• Lead the development and maintenance of quality procedures, policies, and SOPs.
• Oversee internal and external audits (GFSI/SQF, regulatory inspections) and ensure timely resolution of findings.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for food safety and quality issues within the facility.

Microbiological Program Oversight

• Design, manage, and interpret microbiological testing programs, including environmental monitoring, product testing, and pathogen control.
• Evaluate microbial risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure validation and verification of sanitation and preventive controls.
• Investigate microbiological deviations, contamination events, and spoilage incidents, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with FDA/USDA regulations, FSMA requirements, and other applicable domestic and international standards.
• Acts as SQF Practitioner, leading development and implementation of SQF code.
• Maintain documentation and records in accordance with regulatory and certification requirements.
• Monitor changes in regulations and industry standards, updating internal processes accordingly.

Continuous Improvement & Data Analysis

• Analyze quality data trends (microbial results, consumer complaints, deviations, audits) to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Lead cross-functional teams to commercialize new products, implement process improvements, enhance product quality, and reduce nonconformances.
• Drive a culture of food safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence throughout the organization.

Team Leadership & Training

• Supervise, mentor, and develop QA technicians, including laboratory technicians and quality inspectors.
• Provide training on food safety, microbiology principles, GMPs, sanitation practices, and quality procedures to employees at all levels.
• Ensure team performance and accountability through effective communication, coaching, and evaluation.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Microbiology, Food Science, Food Technology, or a related scientific discipline.

Experience

• 5 years of experience in quality assurance or food safety roles within the food or beverage manufacturing industry.
• Strong expertise in food microbiology, microbial testing methods, and contamination prevention.
• Demonstrated experience with SQF, HACCP, FSMA, Preventive Controls (PCQI certification preferred), and GFSI-based schemes (SQF).

Technical Skills

• Proficient in microbiological testing methods, environmental monitoring, and laboratory practices.
• Strong knowledge of food processing technologies and sanitation methods.
• Experience with quality management systems, audit management, and CAPA processes.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools and quality metrics.

Soft Skills

• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and influence decision-making.
• High attention to detail and a proactive, hands-on approach.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing facility environment, including exposure to wet/cold/hot conditions and production equipment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, walk the facility, and occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to drive product safety and quality in a fast-paced, mission-critical industry.
• Leadership role with influence across operations, R&D, and regulatory teams.
• Commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and professional development.

Pay: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Food Microbiology: 5 years (Preferred)
• HACCP/FSMA/PCQI: 5 years (Preferred)
• Quality Assurance Management: 5 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Safe Quality Food Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $100,000 - $120,000