QA Manager

Join a Legacy of Sweet Innovation

Since 1939, Sconza Chocolates has been delighting generations of consumers with irresistible confections. As a proud 4th-generation family-owned business, we blend time-honored tradition with bold innovation-crafting everything from everyday favorites to premium treats.

We are one of the largest private label candy companies in the country, trusted by leading CPG brands and retailers nationwide. Working at Sconza means joining a company with the scale, stability, and reputation of an industry leader-while still fostering the creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit that drive innovation.

At Sconza, you'll experience the joy of working in the candy industry, where every day brings opportunities to launch exciting products, spark smiles, and contribute to a delicious legacy more than 86 years in the making. Here, your ideas matter, your impact is visible, and your work helps shape the future of one of America's most respected confectionery companies.

Quality Manager

Job Statement

The Quality Manager is responsible for ensuring that all products manufactured by the Company meet or exceed established quality and regulatory standards. This position oversees the Quality Department and leads all aspects of quality assurance, quality control, and continuous improvement from raw material receipt through finished goods shipment. The Quality Manager ensures cGMP compliance, supports all customer and regulatory audits, and works collaboratively with the Food Safety Manager, Production, and R&D teams to uphold the Company's commitment to excellence and product integrity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the Quality team in implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving quality systems, standards, and documentation.
• Oversee raw material, in-process, and finished goods inspection programs to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Partner with the Food Safety Manager to ensure full cGMP compliance and readiness for all regulatory, third-party, and customer audits (FDA, SQF/BRC, etc.).
• Maintain and enforce corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes to address nonconformances, deviations, or customer complaints.
• Develop and monitor key quality performance indicators (KPIs) and provide regular reporting to senior leadership.
• Ensure supplier quality programs are in place and effectively manage vendor compliance and certifications.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Maintenance, R&D, and Supply Chain teams to ensure quality is built into all processes, from design to delivery.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives focused on process capability, product consistency, and waste reduction.
• Manage product hold and release processes and ensure timely disposition decisions.
• Serve as the quality liaison with customers, auditors, and regulatory agencies.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Quality team to ensure technical competence, accountability, and engagement.

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Data-driven decision making and analytical problem solving.
• Deep understanding of cGMPs, HACCP, and quality systems in a food or confectionery manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across departments.
• High attention to detail and a mindset for continuous improvement.
• Ability to balance regulatory compliance with practical manufacturing needs.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related discipline; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive quality management experience in food, candy, or confectionery manufacturing.
• Strong working knowledge of cGMPs, HACCP, FSMA, and relevant food safety standards.
• Experience with SQF, BRC, ISO 9001, or similar quality certification systems.
• Proven success leading quality teams in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with statistical process control (SPC), root cause analysis, and continuous improvement tools.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage audits and communicate with regulatory bodies and customers.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to climb stairs, bend, reach, and perform visual inspections as required.
• Must be able to wear required PPE (e.g., hairnet, beard cover, safety glasses, lab coat, etc.).

Work Environment

• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environments which may be wet and/or humid.
• Exposure to temperature variations, noise, and moving machinery.
• Frequent interaction with production, maintenance, and sanitation staff across shifts.
• Occasional travel to supplier or customer facilities may be required.

Reports To

Chief Operating Officer