Job description
Job Summary
Reporting to the Technical Director and Vice President of Manufacturing Operations and Technical, the Plant Quality Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of the Quality Assurance and Food Safety/Defense programs at a food manufacturing facility.
Key responsibilities include managing third-party audits, developing and maintaining the HACCP plan, ensuring employee compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), conducting internal audits, and maintaining regulatory compliance.
The role also involves managing external contractors related to food safety (., pest control, sanitation, lab equipment), resolving customer complaints, and ensuring adherence to applicable food safety and regulatory standards such as FDA, FSMA, CFIA, and CODEX.
Essential Functions
Maintain and verify compliance with food safety procedures and policies.
Lead development and implementation of facility food safety, employee safety, and quality training programs.
Establish continuous improvement initiatives and annual goals for the QA program to ensure product quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Develop tools to report KPIs, analyze trends, and drive process and quality improvements.
Collaborate with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to support production and resolve QA issues.
Coordinate HACCP & HARPC program implementation, training, and recordkeeping.
Report food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance concerns.
Oversee internal audits and manage third-party audit processes.
Organize and oversee internal product testing (physical and sensory) across all production stages.
Manage external lab testing and maintain product retain records in compliance with regulations.
Work with corporate technical teams to meet customer requirements, including new product development.
Coordinate product line extension validation and documentation.
Manage external contractors (., pest control, sanitation chemicals, uniforms).
Support EHS training and safety program implementation.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field
HACCP Certification
5+ years of experience managing food safety/QA teams in manufacturing (food, personal care, supplements, or pharma)
Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
Proven success with third-party audits
Experience mentoring and coaching team members
FSMA Certified (PCQI) or equivalent experience
Strong knowledge of process controls, DOE, and root cause analysis
Ability to conduct lab analyses and interpret results
Demonstrated success in implementing process improvements
Detail-oriented and organized
Strong math, written, and verbal communication skills
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and database programs
Preferred Skills & Characteristics
Strong leadership and team collaboration skills
Excellent communication and critical thinking abilities
Strong interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration
Proficiency in MS Office, statistical software (., Minitab), and business systems (., ERP, reporting tools)
Ability to work with urgency and accuracy
Internal Contacts
Manufacturing, Technical, Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Warehouse, and Management Teams
External Contacts
Vendors, Suppliers, Customers, Regulatory Agencies
Equipment Used
Office equipment (computer, printer,
Lab equipment (pH meters, viscosity testers, equilibrium testing tools)
Physical & Mental Demands
Requires sitting, walking, and standing
No routine heavy lifting
Initial Training Requirements
HR Orientation
General Safety Awareness
Emergency Exit Locations
Occupational Health and Safety Information
Required Skill Profession
Operations Specialties Managers