Quality Assurance Manager

A rapidly growing, Idaho-based food manufacturer with deep industry roots and a strong national customer base is seeking an experienced Food Safety & Quality Manager to elevate and champion the Quality & Food Safety function across a high-volume USDA operation. Known for producing innovative frozen potato and appetizer products enjoyed by households and food service customers nationwide, this organization is investing heavily in state-of-the-art processes, people, and continuous improvement.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a highly visible leadership role where you’ll shape the culture, mentor a dedicated team, and build a QA department with streamlined processes and procedures.

Reporting to the Head of Operations
, the FSQ Manager serves as a core member of the site leadership team. You will drive the Food Safety & Quality roadmap, ensure regulatory excellence, safeguard brand reputation, and maintain the highest standards our customers expect.

• Champion a strong Quality and Food Safety culture throughout the facility, setting expectations and coaching your team toward excellence.
• Lead and inspire a team of QA Managers and Technicians, instilling ownership, clarity, and continuous development.
• Partner closely with Operations, Maintenance, and Senior Leadership to reinforce a “safety-first, people-first” environment.

• Ensure full compliance with USDA and FDA regulations, internal policies, and customer audit expectations.
• Serve as a key point of contact for inspectors, auditors, and national customer QA teams.
• Lead preparation for third-party audits, including SQF, and maintain all prerequisite programs.

• Oversee the execution and verification of HACCP, Preventive Controls, QMS, and all supporting Food Safety Plans.
• Maintain robust Document Control, Product Specifications, and Process Controls.
• Manage Non-Conforming Product and Non-Conforming Equipment Programs.

• Guide root-cause investigations and implement effective corrective actions.
• Oversee testing programs, certificates of analysis, batch record reviews, and trend analysis.
• Lead recall and mock-recall exercises to ensure rapid, compliant response capabilities.
• Drive improvements in hygienic design, sanitation effectiveness, and GMP adherence.

• Oversee ongoing training for Quality staff and cross-functional teams on SOPs, Food Safety Plans, and regulatory requirements.
• Build capability across the plant to support long-term quality ownership at every level.

• 7+ years of Quality Assurance experience in food manufacturing;
  USDA experience strongly preferred.
• 5+ years leading teams in a production environment
  .
• Bonus if you have: Experience with frozen potato, vegetable, or appetizer manufacturing!
• Strong working knowledge of HACCP, Preventive Controls, SQF or other GFSI schemes, and Good Laboratory Practices.
• Solid background in developing SOPs, policies, and specifications.
• Internal auditing and root-cause investigation abilities.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, or a related scientific field.

• High-impact leadership position at a growing, innovation-focused Idaho food manufacturer.
• Opportunity to shape the policies and procedures of the department
  .
• Collaborative, people-focused team committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

• Base salary of $110K - $125K
• Full medical benefits
• 401K with Safe Harbor Match

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity, experience, and perspective at every level of our organization.

For consideration, please email your resume in Word format to