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 brands 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.

Created: 2025-02-20