We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Quality Manager to lead the Food Safety and Quality Assurance initiatives at a leading manufacturing plant specializing in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical products. This pivotal role will involve overseeing regulatory compliance, fostering continuous improvement, and guiding a dedicated team to uphold the highest standards of quality and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Food Safety & Quality Compliance: Ensure all plant operations strictly adhere to internal policies, customer mandates, and federal/state regulations including FDA and CFIA.
• Audit & Certification Leadership: Spearhead HACCP, SQF, and FSMA programs, serving as the primary contact for regulatory and third-party audits.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of over 50 QA professionals, nurturing a culture of ownership and excellence in food safety and quality throughout the facility.
• Training & Orientation: Design and implement comprehensive training programs on GMPs, Food Safety, and Quality standards.
• Continuous Improvement: Track and enhance performance on quality KPIs, focusing on complaint reduction, audit readiness, and incident prevention. Champion the FS&Q pillar in continuous improvement systems.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with Operations, Maintenance, R&D, and Sales teams to ensure product quality, resolve customer issues, and facilitate new product launches.
• Vendor Quality: Collaborate with Corporate QA to evaluate supplier performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Documentation & SOPs: Develop and maintain comprehensive SOPs for the plant and laboratory, managing the departmental budget effectively.
• Sanitation & Environmental Monitoring: Oversee robust programs for sanitation, pest control, and environmental monitoring to ensure a safe and compliant production environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in Quality Assurance within the Food, Beverage, or Pharmaceutical industry.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in a similar capacity.
• In-depth knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, FSMA, SQF Code, Food Allergens, Microbiology, and root cause analysis.
• Proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This position offers a unique chance to advance your career within a supportive environment, with significant opportunities for professional growth and development. Competitive compensation, robust benefits, and relocation support are also provided.

Location: Modesto, CA

Compensation: $115K - $145K base salary, plus a 15% bonus, 9% 401K match, and comprehensive benefits package.

Reports to: Corporate Director, Food Safety and Quality