Job Description

The Quality Assurance (QA) Manager is responsible for leading and managing all quality assurance functions at the bakery manufacturing facility. This role ensures that all products are produced in compliance with FDA regulations, customer specifications, and third-party audit requirements (e.g., BRC, SQF, and major customer quality manuals). The QA Manager will oversee day-to-day QA operations, coach and develop the QA team, maintain robust food safety and quality systems, and partner cross-functionally with Sanitation, Operations, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Oversight

• Supervise and mentor the QA Interim Supervisor and QA Technicians; establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations.
• Champion a proactive food safety and quality culture throughout the facility.
• Lead daily QA huddles and participate in production meetings to address quality concerns in real time.

Compliance & Audits

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements (FDA, FSMA, CFR 21 Part 117, etc.), customer specifications, and third-party audit standards.
• Maintain audit readiness at all times; coordinate and lead external audits, customer visits, and internal audits.
• Oversee proper documentation, verification, and recordkeeping across all QA programs.

Program Management

• Manage and maintain the HACCP and Food Safety Plans; conduct annual reassessments and update documentation as needed.
• Oversee allergen, traceability, sanitation verification, environmental monitoring, and supplier verification programs.
• Ensure corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are properly investigated, documented, and closed out effectively.
• Review all non-conformance reports, customer complaints, and deviations for root cause and corrective action completion.

Quality Systems & Documentation

• Ensure all QA policies, SOPs, and forms are current, accessible, and consistently followed.
• Review batch records, pre-op inspections, and finished product release documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Track and analyze QA data trends to identify recurring issues and drive continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations and Sanitation teams to address quality and food safety concerns, ensuring effective communication across departments.
• Support production startup and line changeovers to verify compliance with quality standards.
• Collaborate with Maintenance to ensure calibration and preventive maintenance are performed on all critical instruments and equipment.

Training & Development

• Train QA staff and production employees on food safety, GMPs, and quality procedures.
• Conduct refresher training following deviations or changes to programs.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, and engagement within the QA department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years of quality assurance experience in a food manufacturing environment, preferably bakery or high-volume production.
• Strong understanding of HACCP, GMPs, FSMA, and third-party audit schemes (SQF, BRC, etc.).
• Experience managing QA teams and developing staff.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across all organizational levels.

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