FSQA Manager

FSQA Supervisor

 

Department: Food Safety & Quality Assurance Reports to: FSQA Director or Senior FSQA Leadership Travel: Minimal, as required

 

 

Job Summary

 

The FSQA Manager/Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all food safety and quality assurance programs within the facility. This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, customer specifications, and internal standards while leading and developing the FSQA team. The position also supports employee safety, training, and retention initiatives.

 

 

Experience Requirements

 

Minimum 5 years of experience in food processing, food safety, or quality management; USDA‑regulated meat or poultry experience preferred.

 

Prior management or supervisory experience with proven ability to hire, train, and develop salaried and hourly FSQA staff.

 

Experience leading diverse, cross‑functional teams in a manufacturing environment.

 

 

Skills & Proficiencies

 

Strong technical knowledge of food safety and quality systems, regulatory requirements, HACCP, Food Safety Plans, GMPs, SSOPs, microbial hazards, sanitation, and plant operations.

 

Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact across all organizational levels.

 

Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make timely, sound decisions.

 

Demonstrated leadership skills, including coaching, team development, and performance management.

 

Strong problem‑solving, project management, prioritization, and multi‑tasking abilities.

 

Ability to work under pressure with a sense of urgency.

 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with quality or production systems is a plus.

 

Ability to travel occasionally for training, meetings, or support of other facilities.

 

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Lead and manage the FSQA team, including supervisors, superintendents, and specialists across multiple shifts.

 

Develop, implement, and maintain facility food safety and quality programs such as HACCP, Food Safety Plans, GMPs, SSOPs, and Environmental Monitoring Programs.

 

Serve as Food Safety Team Leader, driving corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for foreign material, environmental monitoring, customer complaints, and other quality‑related issues.

 

Oversee sanitation verification activities, including pre‑operational inspections, operational sanitation, and master sanitation schedules.

 

Act as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies (e.g., USDA‑FSIS) and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

 

Verify finished product compliance with customer specifications and labeling requirements.

 

Lead third‑party, customer, and regulatory audits (e.g., GFSI schemes, organic programs, child nutrition programs).

 

Support major facility projects and new product launches through process mapping and FSQA criteria assessments.

 

Develop and deliver food safety and quality training for FSQA staff and plant personnel.

 

Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory standards.

 

Manage product hold and release processes, including disposition of non‑conforming product.

 

Analyze FSQA data trends and lead root‑cause investigations.

 

Interact with customers during audits, tours, complaint investigations, and facility visits.

 

Complete special assignments as needed, including shift coverage or start‑up verification.

 

Work Environment

 

Work is performed in both office and production environments. Production areas may involve exposure to cold or humid conditions, moving mechanical equipment, airborne particles, and moderate noise levels.

 

Physical Demands

 

Ability to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach, and communicate verbally.

 

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

 

Ability to climb stairs and walk long distances (1–3 hours per day).

 

Ability to work in cold environments (below 32°F).

 

Reliable transportation required.

 

May be exposed to strong food aromas, including spices.

 

Candidates may be eligible for:

 

Incentive or bonus programs

 

Paid vacation and sick time

 

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

 

Telemedicine services

 

Health and wellness programs

 

Retirement savings plans with company match

 

Short‑term and long‑term disability

 

Life insurance and voluntary benefits

 

Professional development and career growth opportunities