Job description
Join a leading food manufacturing company committed to quality and safety. We are seeking a Senior Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager to lead our QA program in the San Francisco Bay Area.
In this role, you will partner with Production, R&D, and Supply Chain to ensure exceptional product quality and regulatory compliance across all SKUs. You will design, implement, and monitor food safety systems that protect consumers and sustain business growth.
Responsibility
- Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of the company-wide Quality Assurance and Food Safety program in alignment with HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, and customer requirements.
- Manage internal and supplier audits, oversee non-conformances, CAPAs, and corrective actions to achieve ongoing certification readiness.
- Collaborate with Production and Engineering to optimize process controls, sanitation, allergen management, and yield without compromising safety.
- Develop and deliver training on quality policies, GMP, sanitation, and food safety to frontline teams.
- Lead data-driven quality analysis, trend monitoring, CAPA metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects and customer complaints.
- Coordinate with Regulatory and Compliance teams to ensure FDA and state-specific requirements are met; serve as the primary liaison for external audits.
- Coach and develop a high-performing QA team; recruit, mentor, and succession plan for QA leadership.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- 7+ years in food safety and quality assurance within manufacturing; leadership experience required.
- Deep knowledge of HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, SQF, and relevant regulatory frameworks (FDA, state agencies).
- Proven track record with supplier quality management, audits, supplier approvals, and corrective actions.
- Strong data analytics capability with proficiency in Excel, statistics, and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar).
- Excellent communication, project management, and cross-functional leadership skills.
- Certifications such as SQF Practitioner, CFSP/HACCP certification preferred; willingness to pursue certifications as needed.
- Occasional travel as needed to supplier sites and customer facilities (up to 15%).