Quality Assurance Manager

Position Title:

Quality Assurance Manager

Our client, a privately held and high growth Milwaukee area company is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager. This newly created position is open due to growth and is responsible for overseeing all quality assurance and food safety functions for the company.

Managing a team of Quality Assurance Specialists and Sanitarians, this role ensures that all products meet company standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements. The Quality Assurance Manager leads the quality team, maintains compliance with food safety regulations, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to uphold product excellence and operational efficiency. The Quality Assurance Manager also serves as a backup to the Director of Quality Assurance as needed.

• Quality & Food Safety Management
• Develop, implement, and maintain food safety and quality systems, including HACCP, SQF, Training, Sanitation/SSOPs, GMPs, Kosher, and allergen control programs.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal food safety regulations (FDA, WDATCP).
• Oversee environmental monitoring programs and microbiological testing.
• Monitor Critical Control Points (CCPs) and preventive controls.
• Maintain recall and traceability procedures and conduct mock recalls as required.
• Complete record review on an ongoing basis and manage the record storage program.
• Oversee in-process inspections to ensure cheesecakes meet quality, texture, taste, and appearance standards.
• Approve raw materials, packaging materials, and finished goods.
• Collaborate with production to resolve quality deviations and prevent recurrence.
• Monitor temperature controls, sanitation standards, and production documentation.
• Supervise and train Quality Assurance Specialists and Sanitation Staff.
• Oversee the company training programs and develop ongoing training programs related to food safety, sanitation, production, and quality procedures. Assist with the transition to an Alchemy based training system.
• Promote a culture of quality and accountability across all departments.
• Lead internal audits and coordinate third-party audits (SQF, Kosher Inspections, customer audits, etc.).
• Serve as primary contact during regulatory inspections.
• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for compliance and audit readiness.
• Investigate customer complaints and non-conformances; implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Analyze quality data and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to leadership.
• Identify opportunities to improve product consistency, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency.

• Bachelor's degree in food science, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, Biology, or related field preferred, but not required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in food manufacturing quality control, preferably in dairy, bakery, or refrigerated products.
• Management experience is not required but is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, FDA regulations, allergen controls, and sanitation standards.
• Experience managing audits and regulatory inspections.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
• Bilingual in English & Spanish is a plus