Job description
Join HarvestWave Foods, a leading innovator in sustainable packaged foods, as our Senior Food Quality & Compliance Manager in San Francisco. You will lead the development and execution of quality systems to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across all production and supplier activities.
In this high-impact role, you will partner with Operations, R&D, and Sourcing to uphold our commitment to quality, safety, and customer trust. You will mentor quality staff, orchestrate internal and supplier audits, and drive CAPA programs to prevent recurrence of non-conformances.
Responsibility
- Lead design, implementation, and maintenance of HACCP, GMP, and FSMA-compliant quality systems across all production facilities and contract manufacturers.
- Develop and manage supplier quality programs, perform supplier audits, and ensure adherence to specifications and critical control points.
- Oversee product quality release, complaint handling, CAPA, and root-cause analysis with data-driven decision-making.
- Collaborate with R&D on new product launches ensuring safety and regulatory alignment from concept to commercialization.
- Lead internal audits and coordinate external audits with regulatory agencies; prepare for certifications and surveillance audits.
- Coach and lead a high-performing Quality team; set performance objectives and provide ongoing training.
- Maintain documentation, records, and change control systems to ensure traceability and compliance.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce quality incidents and improve process capability.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum 5-7 years of QA/QC experience in food manufacturing or packaging, with leadership responsibilities.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, FSMA, FDA/USDA regulations, and international standards (ISO 22000).
- Proven track record in supplier quality management, audits, CAPA, and risk assessment.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills; proficient in statistical tools.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities; fluent in English; willingness to travel as needed.
- Experience with ERP/MES systems and quality management software; ability to manage change control and documentation.
- Certification such as CQA, RAC, or lead auditor is a plus.