Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the FSQA Manager leads and develops the site's FSQA Supervisors, who oversee the FSQA and Sanitation teams. The FSQA Manager also owns the Food Safety Plan and ensures compliance with Taylor Farms corporate, SQF Certification, regulatory, and customer requirements. As a member of the site management team, this role partners with department managers to drive food safety and quality through training, internal audits, third-party inspections, and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) programs.

Status: Salaried Exempt, Full-Time

Days of the Week Needed: Monday-Friday, weekends and holidays as needed

Work Hours: 8+ hours

Key Responsibilities:

• Follow and enforce all Safety, Allergen Control, Food Safety & Sanitation, Food Defense, and SQF policies and procedures across all departments.
• Own and maintain the Food Safety Plan, ensuring it remains compliant and aligned with operational execution.
• Verify HACCP and preventive controls, including monitoring records, validation activities, and annual Food Safety Plan reanalysis.
• Lead the development and delivery of SOP and FSQA training for all departments to support the Food Safety Plan and regulatory compliance.
• Lead the FSQA team and collaborate cross-functionally with department managers.
• Provide technical leadership by tracking food safety and quality KPIs and using the data to drive compliance and continuous improvement.
• Develop food safety protocols and monitoring tasks, using digital tools and technology solutions where possible.
• Conduct internal food safety audits and manage third-party inspections and audits, including FDA, County, City, Organic, SQF, and customer audits.
• Serve as the site's SQF Practitioner.
• Oversee the sanitation program through the FSQA Supervisors and verify sanitation effectiveness, including keeping the Master Cleaning Schedule and CIP program up to date.
• Manage the Environmental Monitoring Program, including pathogen swabbing, trend analysis, and corrective actions for positive results.
• As a member of the management team, support company growth by guiding equipment and other purchasing decisions to ensure they uphold food safety and quality.
• Manage customer compliance requirements and communications as needed.
• Establish and manage CAPA programs, including root cause analysis and effectiveness verification.
• Maintain traceability and recall readiness, including conducting mock recalls and supporting product holds and withdrawals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised:

• Lead the hiring, training, and development of FSQA Supervisors.
• Organize and oversee the work and schedules of the FSQA Supervisors, and through them, the FSQA and Sanitation teams.
• Conduct timely, constructive performance evaluations for direct reports.
• Address performance and conduct issues, including discipline and termination, when necessary, in accordance with company policy.

Environment:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Hairnet, beard net (as applicable), gloves, safety shoes, bump cap, and smock.
• Chemical and Allergen Exposure: Cleaning and sanitation chemicals and food allergens.
• Temperature: Air-conditioned production environment maintained at approximately 67°F, with periodic time in colder refrigerated areas such as coolers ( 37°F), and receiving. Layered clothing under required PPE is recommended.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in food science, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, or a related field preferred.
• At least 5 years of food manufacturing experience, including at least 3 years in a food safety or quality leadership role.
• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual), HACCP, and SQF Practitioner certifications required, with hands-on experience applying them.
• Working knowledge of GMPs required.
• Management experience required, including leading supervisors and multi-shift teams.
• Working knowledge of FSMA and FDA regulations; strong communication, data analysis, and Microsoft Office skills.

Physical Demands and Abilities:

• Ability to work safely in a fast-paced production environment while wearing required PPE for full shifts.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to bend, twist, stoop, squat, and pivot.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during 8+ hour shifts.
• Work is split between the plant and office, with 40% or more of work time spent in the manufacturing plant. Regular exposure to odors, noise, dust, wet and slippery floors, cold areas, and cleaning and sanitation chemicals.

Benefits:

• Medical, Vision, and Dental PPO coverage only.
• Up to 4% 401(k) company matching contribution.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Two weeks of vacation accrual.
• Sick pay.
• 7 paid holidays.

E-Verify Compliant

EOE (Equal Opportunity Employer)