Food safety and Quality Manager

Job Title: Food Safety and Quality Manager

Department: Quality Assurance / Food Safety

Employment Type: Full-Time

The Manager of Food Safety and Quality is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of food safety, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance across the organization’s manufacturing operations. This role ensures that all products meet internal standards and external regulatory requirements, including FDA, USDA, FSMA, GFSI, and customer expectations. The Manager will develop and implement strategic initiatives to drive continuous improvement in food safety culture, product quality, and operational excellence.

• Develop and execute the company’s food safety and quality strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead cross-functional teams to foster a strong food safety culture throughout the organization.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, certification bodies, and key customers on food safety and quality matters.

• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of food safety programs including HACCP, HARPC, GMPs, SSOPs, and allergen control.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local food safety regulations.
• Complete all internal and external audits
  , including GFSI schemes (SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000), customer audits, and regulatory inspections, and ensure timely resolution of findings.

• Establish and monitor quality control systems to ensure product consistency and customer satisfaction.
• Analyze quality data and trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Manage product specifications, testing protocols, and release procedures.
• Develop and maintain recall and traceability programs.
• Lead investigations into food safety incidents, customer complaints, and non-conformances.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) and ensure follow-through.

• Recruit, train, and mentor quality and food safety personnel.
• Provide ongoing education and training programs for employees on food safety and quality standards.
• Promote a proactive and collaborative team environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in food manufacturing with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience with regulatory compliance, GFSI certification, and audit management.
• Deep knowledge of food safety regulations (FDA, USDA, FSMA).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency in quality systems, statistical process control, and root cause analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Certified SQF Practitioner, PCQI, HACCP, or equivalent.

• Office and manufacturing plant environment.
• Occasional travel to manufacturing sites, suppliers, and regulatory meetings