QA Manager-USDA Facility

QA Manager – USDA Facility

Position Title: QA Manager – USDA Facility Department: Quality Assurance

Location: Gainesville, GA

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Job Type: Full-Time, Onsite Company Overview

Southern Baked Pie Company produces handcrafted savory and sweet pies using high-quality ingredients and Southern hospitality. Our USDA-certified facility supports production and distribution across retail, wholesale, and nationwide shipping channels. We strive for excellence in quality, safety, and customer experience as we continue to grow and expand.

Position Summary

The QA Manager is responsible for leading all quality assurance and food safety initiatives within the USDA-certified production facility. This includes oversight of regulatory compliance, FDA and Department of Agriculture ; implementation of SQF food safety programs, staff training, documentation management, and continuous improvement of processes involving the production of USDA

Key Responsibilities

·      ● Serve as primary liaison with USDA inspectors and ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.

·      ● Develop, implement, and maintain SQF program compliance, HACCP plans, SSOPs, GMPs, and other required food safety programs.

·      ● Conduct daily pre-op and in-process inspections, sanitation verification, and temperature checks.

·      ● Direct Environmental testing and traceability programs

·      ● Oversee labeling, allergen control, traceability, and production documentation.

·      ● Maintain QA records including production logs, supplier verifications, corrective actions,

and employee training.

·      ● Lead and prepare for internal and external regulatory audits.

·      ● Investigate quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

·      ● Train and coach production and sanitation employees on food safety standards.

·      ● Partner with operational leadership to drive continuous improvement in food safety and

product quality.

·      ● Report results of the KPI and corrective actions

Qualifications

·      ● Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field preferred.

·      ● Minimum 2 years of QA or food safety experience in a USDA or FDA-regulated food

production environment.

·      ● SQF Practitioner or certification

·      ● PCQI certification required

·      ● HACCP certification required

·      ● Strong working knowledge of USDA food regulations, HACCP, GMPs, and SSOP

compliance.

·      ● Experience with ready-to-cook meat or poultry products preferred.

·      ● Excellent organization, problem-solving, and communication skills.

·      ● Proficiency in Microsoft Office and QA data systems.

·      ● ServSafe certification preferred.

Skills & Competencies

·      ● Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.

·      ● Ability to train and influence cross-functional teams.

·      ● Familiarity with equipment, production processes, and sanitation practices.

·      ● High integrity and accountability.

·      ● Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

·      ● Bilingual is a plus-English and Spanish

Work Environment & Schedule

·      ● Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM, with flexibility required during audits and seasonal production peaks.

·      ● Work performed in a USDA-certified production facility requiring adherence to safety and sanitary regulations.

Compensation & Benefits

·      ● Competitive salary based on experience.

·      ● Paid time off and holidays.

·      ● Employee discounts on company products.

·      ● Professional development and growth opportunities.