Director of Quality Assurance

Mackenzie Stuart; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Quality Assurance to lead compliance and quality initiatives in a fast-paced beverage production facility. This role involves managing food safety programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and developing a high-performing QA/QC team. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills and a comprehensive understanding of food safety regulations. The position offers a competitive salary, an annual performance bonus, and a full benefits package, including relocation assistance. Join a team dedicated to quality and continuous improvement in the food and beverage sector.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Career Development Support

Relocation Assistance

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in quality assurance within beverage or food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of FDA, FSMA, HACCP, GFSI, SQF/BRC regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead compliance with FDA, USDA, HACCP, SQF, FSMA standards.
• Supervise and develop the QA/QC team for food safety procedures.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams for quality integration.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Food Safety Compliance

Regulatory Affairs

Data Analysis

Root Cause Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

QA management software

ERP systems

Job description

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Key Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance & Food Safety Compliance

• Lead and manage compliance with FDA, USDA, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and GFSI standards for beverage production.
• Own the plant’s food safety and quality programs, ensuring ongoing certification and audit readiness.
• Maintain accurate and organized documentation for regulatory inspections and internal quality audits.
• Oversee product testing protocols (microbiological, chemical, sensory), managing all lab operations and equipment calibration.
• Investigate and resolve quality issues, consumer complaints, and non-conformances with detailed root cause analysis and corrective action plans (CAPAs).

Regulatory Affairs & Risk Management

• Stay current with federal, state, and local food/beverage regulations and ensure the facility remains in full compliance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact during third-party audits and regulatory inspections.
• Develop risk assessments, preventative controls, and traceability procedures per FSMA and HACCP guidelines.
• Lead internal audits, supplier qualification audits, and participate in GFSI certification processes (SQF/BRC/etc.).

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise, train, and develop the QA/QC team, ensuring competency in food safety procedures, GFSI practices, and inspection techniques.
• Foster a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across all departments.
• Conduct regular quality and food safety training for plant personnel to reinforce best practices.

Collaboration & Cross-functional Coordination

• Partner with Production, R&D, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless quality integration across departments.
• Support new product launches by validating labeling, ingredient specifications, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with sanitation and maintenance teams to ensure compliance with environmental and hygiene standards.
• Analyze quality data trends and metrics to identify areas of improvement in product consistency and process efficiency.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to drive process improvements and reduce waste.
• Monitor and optimize quality KPIs such as product defects, audit scores, and complaint rates.

Required Qualifications -

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5–8 years of progressive experience in quality assurance within beverage or food manufacturing.
• Strong working knowledge of FDA, FSMA, HACCP, GFSI, SQF/BRC, and related quality and food safety regulations.

Technical & Professional Skills:

• Demonstrated success leading quality teams in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in internal auditing, root cause analysis, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Experience with laboratory equipment, test methods, and microbiological standards.
• Strong data analysis skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, QA management software (e.g., SafetyChain, Intelex), and ERP systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified SQF Practitioner or PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual).
• HACCP Certification and Internal Auditor Certification.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with beverage-specific processes such as pasteurization, carbonation, and aseptic filling.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Fast-paced beverage production facility with exposure to chemicals, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.
• Frequent walking, standing, and working in lab and production floor environments.
• Must be able to lift 25-50 lbs and use lab tools and sanitation equipment as needed.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings or evenings during audits, inspections, or production scale-ups.
• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Full benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), and Life Insurance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, and career development support.
• Relocation Assistance

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Quality Assurance

• Industries

  Food and Beverage Manufacturing

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