A respected food manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to oversee plant quality, food safety, and laboratory operations. This role is responsible for ensuring product safety, regulatory compliance, and adherence to internal quality standards while driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Quality Manager provides leadership, training, and oversight of quality systems, audits, and testing programs to support operational excellence and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Manage daily operations of the plant laboratory, ensuring proper staffing, supplies, and equipment availability.
Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, quality assurance standards, and internal quality systems.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality, performance, and process optimization.
Develop, implement, and maintain HACCP programs for milk and juice operations.
Oversee and support food safety programs, training, and FSMA compliance.
Implement and maintain quality systems such as SQF and related audit requirements.
Review product labels to ensure compliance with regulatory and company standards.
Maintain nutritional database systems and ensure accurate product information.
Ensure compliance with raw material quality standards, including raw milk testing requirements.
Supervise chemical, bacteriological, sensory, and utilization testing of raw and finished products.
Communicate quality metrics, inspection results, and KPI reporting to plant leadership and corporate stakeholders.
Ensure sanitation procedures are followed and conduct troubleshooting when sanitation issues arise.
Develop and maintain documentation for all quality tests, procedures, and activities.
Support and manage internal, customer, third-party, and regulatory audits and inspections.
Manage quality-related expenses, including labor and cost-of-quality initiatives.
Ensure compliance with contract packaging quality requirements.
Partner cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and leadership as a change agent.
Lead, train, coach, and develop quality team members while modeling ethical and professional standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements and Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a science-based field required.
Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or management experience in food manufacturing or a regulated industry.
Experience in dairy or food processing operations preferred.
Strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
Working knowledge of sanitation systems, procedures, and testing methods.
Experience with HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and regulatory compliance programs.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to coach, develop, and retain employees.
Applicants may be subject to a background check and pre-employment drug screen.*
*A conviction does not automatically disqualify you from employment. We will consider factors such as the timing, nature, and seriousness of the offense, along with evidence of rehabilitation.
Sparrow Company Executive Search & Staffing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.