Quality Assurance Manager – Food Manufacturing

Location: Greater Houston area (on-site)

We are partnering with a growing food manufacturing company seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead its Food Safety and Quality Management Systems. This role will play a critical leadership position in strengthening quality programs, ensuring audit readiness, and building a strong food safety culture across the organization.

Position Overview

The QA Manager will oversee compliance with regulatory, customer, and GFSI-recognized standards, including certification requirements under the SQF Code. This role will lead the quality team, manage supplier quality programs, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.

Key Responsibilities

Food Safety & Quality Systems

• Lead and maintain the Food Safety Plan and HACCP program

• Ensure compliance with SQF, GMP, and regulatory requirements

• Oversee sanitation, allergen management, pest control, traceability, and training programs

• Manage document control systems including SOPs and revisions

• Maintain continuous audit readiness for regulatory, customer, and third-party audits

• Lead mock recalls and traceability exercises

Operations & Plant Oversight

• Conduct GMP and quality walkthroughs

• Verify sanitation and environmental monitoring programs

• Oversee allergen controls, label verification, and line clearance

• Review production records, deviations, and non-conformances

• Lead investigations, holds, and corrective actions

Supplier & Customer Quality

• Manage approved supplier program and performance reviews

• Review Certificates of Analysis and supplier documentation

• Investigate supplier non-conformances and customer complaints

• Support customer audits and visits

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Supervise and develop QA staff

• Maintain training matrix and coordinate food safety training

• Track and present quality metrics to leadership

• Lead CAPA programs and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field preferred

• 3+ years of quality leadership experience in food manufacturing

• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, allergen controls, and GFSI standards

• Experience leading third-party audits (SQF, customer, regulatory)

• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills