Assistant Food Safety & QA Manager

Smithfield Fresh Meats Corp; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking an Assistant Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager to lead our FS/QA program on the plant floor. You’ll oversee sanitation checks, verify HACCP and USDA compliance, and apply your technical expertise to track product flow and drive preventive actions.

You’ll work closely with plant and corporate FS/QA leaders to maintain high safety and quality standards, support audits, and mentor a capable FS/QA team in a fast-paced production environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years in the food industry.
• Experience leading training, coaching or mentoring staff.
• Ability to read and write in English.
• Hands-on microbiological testing experience with meat/poultry.
• Knowledge of USDA, FSIS, HACCP, SSOP; familiarity with SAP and QMS tools.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all food safety, quality, and regulatory programs are followed and documented.
• Lead investigations, implement corrective actions, and support audits.
• Drive continuous improvement and prevent HACCP/SSOP failures.
• Assess processes, collect data, troubleshoot, and optimize yield, safety, and quality.
• Manage sanitation programs and coordinate with USDA inspections.

Skills

Leadership

Training & mentoring

Regulatory compliance

Microbiological testing

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SAP

QMS systems

Inventory software

Job description

THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. Are you ready to lead with purpose and make a real difference in food safety and quality? As the Assistant Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our products meet the highest standards of safety and quality. You’ll oversee sanitation checks, ensure compliance to HACCP and USDA regulations, and use your technical expertise to track product flow and implement preventive and corrective actions when needed. Your work will directly impact our ability to deliver safe, delicious products to customers and consumers every day. In this role, you will work closely with both plant and corporate FS/QA leaders, gaining valuable experience in implementing food safety procedures and maintaining compliance with USDA and FDA standards. This is a great opportunity to grow your knowledge, contribute to a collaborative team, and make a meaningful impact in a fast‑paced, high-quality food production environment. If you’re detail-oriented, proactive, and ready to be part of something bigger, we’d love to have you on board.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Quality & Food Safety Compliance: You ensure all food safety, quality, and regulatory programs are being followed and documented properly—providing the proof needed to show we’re producing safe, wholesome products. You verify USDA compliance through sound, science-based decisions, lead investigations into product issues, take corrective actions, and support audits and USDA system assessments.

Continuous Improvement & Risk Prevention: You proactively work with FSQA and Operations teams to prevent HACCP, SSOP, and product/process failures. Through training, quality planning, and strong process controls, you help drive continuous improvement and ensure product consistency and safety.

Process Control & Problem Solving: You assess raw materials, conduct production tests, collect and analyze data, and troubleshoot issues with upstream processes. You collaborate with multiple departments to address process control needs and optimize yield, safety, and quality.

Sanitation Oversight & Micro Response: You manage the sanitation program, including writing regulatory documents, verifying sanitation effectiveness through micro sampling, and responding to negative shelf‑life or micro data. You lead GMP and sanitation audits, train staff, and work closely with USDA to ensure high sanitation standards.

SQF & Team Leadership: You maintain and reassess the SQF Quality Plan, ensuring compliance with all relevant sections and adapting to changes in production. You communicate system updates, manage FSQA personnel performance and schedules, and ensure your team supports the ongoing integrity of the SQF system.

WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 3+ years of relevant experience in the food industry; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience acting as a lead by providing training, coaching or mentoring to less experienced staff or through managing a process or project.

Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.

Technical Knowledge and Regulatory Compliance: Possesses hands‑on experience with microbiological testing of meat and poultry products, along with a solid understanding of foodborne pathogens, microbiological and limited chemistry testing. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of USDA, FSIS, HACCP, and SSOP requirements, and familiarity with QMS systems, SAP, and various database and inventory software tools.

Communication and Analytical Skills: Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to address inquiries from regulatory agencies, customers, and internal stakeholders. Skilled in decision‑making, problem‑solving, and responding to quality and compliance issues in a timely and effective manner. Maintains a high standard of documentation and compliance. Proven ability to work in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment with professionalism and adaptability.

Willingness to travel up to 10% and work extended hours or weekends as needed.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

USDA/HACCP Certification SQF Certified Expert Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance principles, food science and meat processing, SPC and statistics Bilingual skills are a valuable asset, allowing you to communicate effectively in diverse, multicultural environments and enhance team collaboration.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.

IndSPR-Ops Relocation Package Available Yes

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. "Good food. Responsibly.®" is more than just our tagline; it's what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities. Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers. Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more. Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential. Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs. Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent. We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.