Sr. Manager Quality Systems

Position Summary: 

The Senior Quality Systems Manager will lead the Quality and Food Safety programs for Bimbo QSR in Zanesville, Ohio to ensure compliance with regulatory, customer, and organizational standards. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust quality assurance systems and driving continuous improvement in product quality, food safety, and operational efficiency. The Senior Quality Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams, including operations, product development, and suppliers, to foster a culture of quality excellence.

This role must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of food manufacturing, processes, and procedures, and thorough knowledge and understanding of microbiology and raw material programs to assess and make appropriate decisions in a fast-paced environment. Strong ability to demonstrate leadership skills for building a strong department as well as supporting existing programs and creating new ones.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Quality & Food Safety Leadership

• Develop, implement, and oversee the facility’s Quality and Food Safety management systems, ensuring compliance with HACCP/HARPC, GFSI, and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and lead for all third-party, customer, and regulatory audits (e.g., AIB, SQMS, GFSI certifications). Guides cross-functional team collaboration to complete audit requirements. 
• Establish, communicate, and enforce quality and safety standards across the facility.

Program Development & Oversight

• Oversee the process for updating and maintaining QA manuals, procedures, and protocols to ensure consistent product safety, quality, and compliance.
• Direct the monitoring of production processes, raw materials, and finished products to identify deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and manage programs for allergen control, GMP, and other pertinent quality systems.

Collaboration & Communication

• Act as a key liaison with customers, vendors, and trade organizations to maintain strong relationships and uphold the facility’s reputation.
• Partner with Product Development, Operations, and other departments to provide technical support for new product development, process improvements, and specification updates.
• Lead management reviews and other quality/food safety-related meetings to drive alignment and continuous improvement.

Team Management & Development

• Manage and mentor a team of Supervisors and Technicians to build a high-performing team.
• Develop, compile, and deliver training materials on GMP, HACCP/HARPC, and other quality systems to ensure staff competency and compliance.
• Oversee training content that is delivered to plant personnel and aligns with BRC requirements.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Manage SPC systems and other analytical tools to monitor product and process quality.
• Investigate customer complaints and provide professional, timely feedback.
• Analyze data, identify trends, and present findings to senior management in a professional format.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead initiatives to improve quality processes, reduce customer complaints, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Support special projects and capital improvement initiatives as assigned by the Director of Quality Systems or Director of Operations.

____________________________________________________________________________

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, microbiology, or related field of science from an accredited college or university.

Experience/Qualifications:

• 10 years of relevant work experience in the food production and / or baking industry, with a thorough understanding of Food Safety & Quality Management Standards (SQF, BRC, FSSC 22K) and associated requisite programs and regulations.
• Previous experience managing quality teams and leading audits in a food manufacturing environment.
• Read and process written information with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to analyze and resolve complex problems using data and SPC.
• Possess good English communication skills (both written and oral).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and other menu driven software applications (TraceGains, SAP, Freshability, etc.).
• Take initiative and be self-motivated; looking for opportunities to improve Quality & Food Safety systems and Vendor Management.
• Ability to lead by influencing and a facilitative style of management.
• Lean Manufacturing / TPM experience desired but not required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel as needed for supplier audits, training, and customer visits.
• Commitment to maintaining budgetary requirements and driving cost-effective quality enhancements.

____________________________________________________________________________ 

Competencies and Skill:

•  Strong knowledge of HACCP, HARPC, GFSI, AIB standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in quality management software and SPC systems.