Senior Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager

Position Overview:

The Senior Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager plays a crucial role in overseeing the development and implementation of comprehensive food safety and quality assurance programs across all product lines, including raw and ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products. This position is key to maintaining our brand's integrity, ensuring customer safety, and managing compliance with regulatory standards.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and enforcement of food safety and quality assurance (FSQA) programs, ensuring adherence to industry-leading standards.
• Manage quality and safety oversight processes to maintain product integrity throughout the supply chain, with a focus on both raw and RTE meat products.
• Direct strategic planning and execution of HACCP plans, addressing specific risks and emphasizing critical control points and preventive measures.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory standards, including USDA mandates and precise labeling.
• Conduct comprehensive audits of suppliers and third-party partners to ensure alignment with FSQA standards.
• Champion initiatives to enhance brand integrity and customer safety through continuous quality improvement.
• Develop and facilitate training programs on FSQA processes, regulatory compliance, and best practices.
• Maintain impeccable records to support traceability, compliance, and audit readiness.
• Manage food safety emergencies or product recalls effectively, overseeing investigations and stakeholder communications.
• Compile and present reports to senior management, detailing FSQA performance and progress.
• Analyze complex food safety and quality systems to determine trends, failures, and compliance, assisting in developing compatible solutions.
• Support other departments by ensuring food safety, quality awareness, and that regulatory requirements are communicated.
• Ensure incoming ingredients and finished products meet quality requirements and customer specifications.
• Utilize corrective action and preventative action methods to ensure sustained success.
• Facilitate customer and regulatory interaction to manage expectations and ensure compliance.
• Participate as a member of the team, contributing to policy implementation and maintaining organizational cohesion.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: At least five years of experience in food safety and quality assurance, preferably within the meat industry. Retail sector experience is highly desirable.
• Certifications: HACCP certification required. A GFSI-recognized certification such as SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000, or IFS is also required.
• Skills: Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills; proficient in data analysis and the use of technology for quality management.

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel required to audit processes and ensure compliance across the supply chain.

Company Culture and Success Metrics:

• The successful candidate will embrace our commitment to ethical practices and excellence. Performance will be measured by audit scores, reduction in quality incidents, and effective risk mitigation.

Development Opportunities:

• The company offers significant opportunities for professional development, including support for further certifications and training.