Food Safety and QA Manager
Job Description
A high-volume food manufacturing facility in the Southeast is seeking an experienced Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager to lead all plant-level food safety, regulatory compliance, and quality systems. This role is accountable for ensuring all products meet or exceed internal standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
The FSQA Manager serves as the site authority on food safety and quality, providing strategic leadership, technical oversight, and execution of programs that drive continuous improvement and operational excellence. This position also leads the development and performance of the FSQA team while maintaining strong cross-functional alignment with operations, corporate stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
Key Responsibilities
- Direct all FSQA department activities to ensure consistent performance against food safety, quality, and regulatory metrics.
- Design, implement, and maintain programs, procedures, and documentation to ensure product safety and compliance.
- Lead plant-level regulatory compliance initiatives and act as primary contact for inspection agencies.
- Oversee and enforce adherence to HACCP plans, preventive controls, microbiological programs, and internal quality standards.
- Drive continuous improvement through data analysis, process optimization, and application of scientific and technological advancements.
- Partner with operations, maintenance, sanitation, and supply chain to ensure food safety is embedded across all plant functions.
- Provide FSQA leadership on cross-functional projects, ensuring risk mitigation and compliance considerations are addressed.
- Maintain effective communication with internal stakeholders regarding product specifications, risks, and compliance requirements.
- Build and maintain professional relationships with regulatory personnel and external auditors.
- Develop, coach, and mentor FSQA team members; ensure effective training programs are in place for plant associates.
- Deliver accurate, timely reporting and analysis of FSQA performance metrics to site and corporate leadership.
- Lead implementation and utilization of digital quality systems and data collection platforms.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Food Science, Animal Science, Poultry Science, or a related technical discipline.
- 3–5+ years of progressive experience in food safety, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance within a food manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in a supervisory or management capacity.
- Strong working knowledge of HACCP principles and regulatory requirements (USDA/FDA).
- Experience supporting or leading GFSI certification programs (e.g., SQF, BRC, or equivalent).
- Solid understanding of food production operations, including processing, sanitation, maintenance, and distribution.
- Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and use of digital quality management systems.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Additional Information
Email: cpaisley@irgsolution.com
Subject: Food Safety and QA Manager- Warner Robins, GA