What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Quality Assurance Manager position at Northwest Hazelnut Company?
Senior Quality Assurance Manager
Food Processing Facility – Aurora, Oregon
Full-Time | Reports to: CFO
Salary Range: $110,000.00 to $135,000.00 annually
ABOUT US:
We are the largest processor and marketer of hazelnuts in the United States. Our company has a rich history of innovation and excellence in the hazelnut industry. We are proud to say that our founders aimed to secure great financial returns for farm families by working with local growers. Our company's commitment to the community, sustainability and ethical practices have been a standard of our operation. We are a local, family owned, company and we keep that family atmosphere at our core. Global reach. Zero drama and a great team
Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Senior QA Manager to lead all quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and audit programs at our nut processing / food manufacturing plant. This strategic leadership role is responsible for maintaining world-class SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and customer audit performance while driving a proactive food safety culture throughout the operation.
Key Responsibilities
Food Safety & Quality Systems Leadership
- Own, maintain, and continuously improve the site Food Safety Plan (HACCP / HARPC), SQF Edition 9 program, GMPs, allergen control, sanitation, pest control, and environmental monitoring programs.
- Ensure full compliance with FSMA Preventive Controls, FSVP, Sanitary Transportation, and Intentional Adulteration requirements.
- Lead preparation and execution of all third-party and customer audits (SQF, BRC, FDA, USDA, major retailers) targeting consistent Excellent/A-level results.
Team Management & Development
- Directly supervise QA Supervisors, QA Technicians, Lab personnel, and the Compliance & Audit Specialist.
- Provide leadership, coaching, performance management, and career development for the entire quality organization.
- Specifically oversee and mentor the Compliance & Audit Specialist, ensuring flawless execution of internal audits, documentation control, regulatory filings, and audit readiness activities.
Quality Assurance & Testing
- Oversee in-house laboratory operations, environmental monitoring (Listeria, Salmonella, ATP), finished product testing, and third-party lab relationships.
- Manage hold/release program, non-conformance investigations, root cause analysis, and CAPA implementation.
Regulatory Compliance & Audit Excellence
- Serve as primary contact for FDA, Oregon Department of Agriculture, and customer quality teams.
- Through the Compliance & Audit Specialist, maintain perfect documentation systems, regulatory registrations, and audit-ready status 365 days a year.
- Lead responses to regulatory inspections and customer audits.
Continuous Improvement & Risk Management
- Chair the site HACCP/Food Safety Team and lead annual plan revalidation.
- Drive risk assessments for new ingredients, equipment, or processes.
- Implement data-driven improvement projects to reduce complaints, rejects, and waste.
Crisis & Recall Leadership
- Lead the Food Safety Incident Management Team and maintain a best-in-class mock recall/traceability program (100% in ≤2 hours).
- Direct crisis response and external communications when required.
What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field (Master's preferred) Experience in lieu of education will also be considered.
- 8–12 years of progressive QA/food safety leadership in food manufacturing; nut, snack, or low-moisture foods highly desired.
- Expert knowledge of SQF, BRC, HACCP, FSMA Preventive Controls, and GFSI standards.
- Current PCQI, HACCP, and SQF Practitioner certifications (or ability to obtain within 60 days).
- Proven success achieving and sustaining Excellent/A-grade audit results.
- Demonstrated experience building and leading QA teams of 10 (including oversight of compliance/audit specialists).
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
- Professional fluency in Spanish (spoken and written) strongly preferred.
WHY WE THINK YOU'LL LOVE WORKING WITH US:
- Join one of the fastest-growing companies and find opportunities to grow in your own career
- Comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans.
- Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays according to company policy.
- 401(k) plan with an exceptional 233% employer match on the first 6% contributed by the employee.
- We invest in your development
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL FACTORS:
- Exposure to wet and/or humid conditions. Temperatures below 50 degrees
- Exposure to a loud working environment, hearing protection is mandatory.
- Must be able to work in environment containing allergens (hazelnuts, etc.).
- Required to use hands and fingers.
- Frequently required to talk or hear.
DISCLAIMER
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Pay: $110, $135,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $110,000 - $135,000