Assistant Quality Manager

ROLE PURPOSE / POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Quality Assurance Manager is accountable for supervising daily quality control and assurance activities at a single food manufacturing site. This role ensures that all products meet customer specifications and comply with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as internal food safety and quality standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP, FDA, USDA). The Assistant QA Manager supports the development and implementation of quality systems, leads investigations, and manages documentation and verification activities. This position plays a key role in coaching QA personnel, supporting audits, and driving continuous improvement. Collaboration with production, sanitation, maintenance, and the Quality Manager is essential to ensure alignment with broader business objectives and customer expectations.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES / PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Accountabilities

Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure compliance with food safety standards (HACCP, GMP, SQF, BRC) and regulatory requirements from agencies such as the FDA, USDA, and local health departments. Serve as backup SQF Practitioner and support HACCP program development and maintenance.

Quality Assurance Systems:

Support the implementation and maintenance of quality systems including batch sheets, specification sheets, and prerequisite programs. Lead verification and validation of plant work instructions and quality documentation.

Audit & Certification Support:

Participate in customer, regulatory, and internal audits. Review Safety Chain forms and dashboards, and support audit readiness through documentation and team coaching.

Training & Development:

Coach QA team members on SOPs, tools, and standards. Ensure training requirements are met, identify skill gaps, and support career development conversations.

Customer & Complaint Management:

Lead investigations into quality holds and non-conformances. Participate in customer calls and manage CAPA processes to ensure timely resolution and communication.

Documentation & Traceability:

Review and maintain quality documentation including Safety Chain updates, GMP audit records, and action trackers. Ensure traceability and compliance with customer and regulatory expectations.

Leadership & Team Development:

Provide daily direction to QA technicians and supervisors. Conduct performance reviews, manage interns, and support the development of a high-performing quality team.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise quality control inspections, sampling, and testing of raw materials and in-process production.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Lead GMP audits and team walkthroughs across all production areas.
• Review and update Safety Chain forms and dashboards.
• Attend Tier 3 staff meetings and review customer KPI reports.
• Lead new project trials and support customer onboarding activities.
• Manage non-conformance investigations and CAPA implementation.
• Oversee action tracker entries and follow-up managed by QA Supervisors.
• Support technology system updates related to quality documentation and reporting.
• Provide feedback and coaching to direct reports in collaboration with the Quality Manager.
• Develop and implement action plans to address quality concerns and improve operations.
• Monitor plant activities to ensure compliance with customer expectations for accuracy, quality, and timeliness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS / CAPABILITY PROFILE

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, or a related field.

Minimum Experience

• 5 years of experience in quality assurance or regulatory compliance within food manufacturing or a closely related industry.
• 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Knowledge of statistical process control and regulatory guidelines.
• Experience with customer interaction and complaint resolution.

Minimum Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge:

• Understanding of food safety and quality systems including HACCP, GMP, and SQF.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements from FDA, USDA, and third-party certification bodies.
• Knowledge of traceability, recall procedures, and environmental monitoring.
• Awareness of pharmaceutical and sensory quality standards is a plus.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
• Effective project management and vendor/contract oversight.
• Proficient in metric tracking and performance reporting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.

Abilities:

• Ability to enforce and promote a strong food safety and compliance culture.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Ability to interpret quality and production data to drive operational decisions.
• Ability to respond swiftly and effectively to audits, inspections, and food safety incidents.
• Ability to implement and sustain continuous improvement initiatives in a regulated environment.

Apply today and join our rapidly growing team!

- Inc. 5000 #124 fastest growing company in the Midwest. (2025)

- Inc. 5000 #10 fastest growing company in the Midwest. (2022)

- Inc. 5000 #165 fastest growing company in the Midwest. (2021)

- Inc. 5000 #1,085 fastest growing company in the USA. (2023)

- Inc. 5000 #622 fastest growing company in the USA. (2022)

- Inc. 5000 #479 fastest growing company in the USA. (2021)