Food Safety & Quality Assurance Supplier Manager

Archer Jerky is seeking a proactive Supplier FSQA Manager to ensure product safety and quality by collaborating with suppliers and co-manufacturers to meet rigorous standards. Reporting to the Director of FSQA, the ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, independent problem solver with strong communication, organizational, and technical writing skills. They should excel in collaboration, integrity, and managing multiple priorities, bringing a hands-on, self-motivated approach to drive FSQA program effectiveness.

Archer Jerky is an award-winning, rapidly growing meat snack company with a high-energy, collaborative work environment. We offer a generous time-off package and comprehensive healthcare benefits, including 100% company-paid medical insurance.

This full-time, first-shift, hybrid position is based in downtown Chicago (River North) and requires approximately 50% travel, primarily in the Midwest.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director of FSQA to develop strategic and tactical FSQA plans that support business objectives and ensure safe, high-quality raw materials and finished products.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to develop, implement, maintain, and improve Supplier FSQA programs, ensuring consistent product quality.
• Serve as the primary FSQA liaison, providing remote and onsite support to co-manufacturers, co-packers, 3PLs, and suppliers to troubleshoot, improve, and ensure consistent production meeting regulatory, third-party certification, company, and customer standards.
• Collaborate with internal (FSQA, Procurement, R&D) and external stakeholders (co-manufacturers, co-packers, 3PLs, and suppliers). Developing, implementing, standardizing, maintaining, and improving FSQA programs.
• Conduct planned FSQA reviews/audits of key suppliers, co-manufacturers, co-packers, and 3PLs, collaborating with auditees to address findings via RCA and CAPA.
• Ensure suppliers/co-manufacturers/co-packers/3PLs maintain required third-party certifications (e.g., SQF, Organic, Gluten-Free) and address audit findings via RCA and CAPA.
• Provide remote and onsite support to resolve raw material/ingredient/packaging/product FSQA issues via RCA and CAPA.
• Provide remote and onsite technical support for CAP R&D and special projects to ensure proper execution at all sites.
• Provide formal FSQA standards training to relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Analyze FSQA data (e.g., consumer complaints) and communicate findings to stakeholders to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and track key FSQA metrics (e.g., KPIs) and goals, proactively communicating these metrics and goals.
• Participate in special projects and assignments as directed by the Director of FSQA.
  
  

Education

• B.S. Degree in Food Science, Food Microbiology, Food Engineering or related field.
• Current HACCP and/or FDA FSMA HARPC and PCQI certifications.
  
  

Experience

• 8 years (including current experience) of FSQA supervisory and/or managerial experience in USDA and/or FDA-regulated food/beverage manufacturing facilities. Experience with meat processing is preferred.
• Proven experience developing, implementing, maintaining, and improving HACCP and/or FDA FSMA Food Safety Plans and prerequisite programs such as GMP, Allergen Management, Environmental Monitoring, and Sanitation.
• Familiarity with current SQF, BRC, and/or other relevant GFSI-based certification requirements, and hands-on experience implementing, maintaining, and improving SQF, BRC, or relevant GFSI-based food safety certification programs as an SQF/BRC Practitioner.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with regulatory bodies and cross-functional teams of internal and external stakeholders to ensure FSQA program effectiveness and resolve issues/conflicts.
  
  

Archer Jerky is an equal opportunity employer, embracing diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on any protected status. We are committed to providing equal opportunities and fostering an inclusive workplace.