Quality Assurance Manager

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance & Food Safety Compliance

• Lead and manage compliance with FDA, USDA, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and GFSI standards for beverage production.
• Own the plant’s food safety and quality programs, ensuring ongoing certification and audit readiness.
• Maintain accurate and organized documentation for regulatory inspections and internal quality audits.
• Oversee product testing protocols (microbiological, chemical, sensory), managing all lab operations and equipment calibration.
• Investigate and resolve quality issues, consumer complaints, and non-conformances with detailed root cause analysis and corrective action plans (CAPAs).

Regulatory Affairs & Risk Management

• Stay current with federal, state, and local food/beverage regulations and ensure the facility remains in full compliance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact during third-party audits and regulatory inspections.
• Develop risk assessments, preventative controls, and traceability procedures per FSMA and HACCP guidelines.
• Lead internal audits, supplier qualification audits, and participate in GFSI certification processes (SQF/BRC/etc.).

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise, train, and develop the QA/QC team, ensuring competency in food safety procedures, GFSI practices, and inspection techniques.
• Foster a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across all departments.
• Conduct regular quality and food safety training for plant personnel to reinforce best practices.

Collaboration & Cross-functional Coordination

• Partner with Production, R&D, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless quality integration across departments.
• Support new product launches by validating labeling, ingredient specifications, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with sanitation and maintenance teams to ensure compliance with environmental and hygiene standards.

Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze quality data trends and metrics to identify areas of improvement in product consistency and process efficiency.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to drive process improvements and reduce waste.
• Monitor and optimize quality KPIs such as product defects, audit scores, and complaint rates.

Required Qualifications -

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5–8 years of progressive experience in quality assurance within beverage or food manufacturing.
• Strong working knowledge of FDA, FSMA, HACCP, GFSI, SQF/BRC, and related quality and food safety regulations.

Technical & Professional Skills:

• Demonstrated success leading quality teams in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in internal auditing, root cause analysis, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Experience with laboratory equipment, test methods, and microbiological standards.
• Strong data analysis skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, QA management software (e.g., SafetyChain, Intelex), and ERP systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified SQF Practitioner or PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual).
• HACCP Certification and Internal Auditor Certification.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with beverage-specific processes such as pasteurization, carbonation, and aseptic filling.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Fast-paced beverage production facility with exposure to chemicals, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.
• Frequent walking, standing, and working in lab and production floor environments.
• Must be able to lift 25-50 lbs and use lab tools and sanitation equipment as needed.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings or evenings during audits, inspections, or production scale-ups.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Full benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), and Life Insurance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, and career development support.