Assistant QA Manager: Food Safety, Compliance & Lab Lead

UNC Dairy; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Upstate Niagara Cooperative in Buffalo, NY, seeks a dedicated Quality Assurance professional to support plant QA activities, ensuring GMP, FSMA compliance, and SQF alignment while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Reporting to the Site Quality Assurance Manager, you will oversee document control, laboratory operations, internal audits, and corrective actions. Occasional travel between processing locations will be required to sustain supplier quality and product specifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food, Dairy, or Natural Sciences; and 3–5 years related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education (Minimum AAS) and experience.
• Experience in Quality Programs in the Food and Beverage industry is desired.
• Knowledge of ISO Quality Management Systems, HACCP, and statistical process control is desired.
• Previous supervisory experience required.
• Active involvement in Quality Programs and willingness to lead continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain site Food Safety & Quality plans per FSMA and SQF.
• Serve as Document Control Coordinator; maintain registry and revisions.
• Provide leadership for the facility laboratory and training.
• Lead Continuous Improvement projects and change management processes.
• Review and audit manufacturing procedures for compliance and corrective actions.
• Ensure facility compliance with Federal and State regulatory requirements and audits.
• Maintain sanitation programs and assist in evaluating new products/techniques.
• Train operations, sanitation, and quality personnel; support lab tasks as needed.
• Travel between Upstate Niagara locations to support QA programs and audits.

Skills

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Collaborative mindset

Strong decision-making

Effective verbal and written comm.

Strong computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food, Dairy, or Natural Sciences

Minimum AAS

Job description

Upstate Niagara Cooperative in Buffalo, NY, seeks a dedicated Quality Assurance professional to support plant QA activities, ensuring GMP, FSMA compliance, and SQF alignment while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Reporting to the Site Quality Assurance Manager, you will oversee document control, laboratory operations, internal audits, and corrective actions. Occasional travel between processing locations will be required to sustain supplier quality and product specifications.