Food Quality Assurance Manager

Accelera; East Rutherford (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelera is seeking a Food Quality Assurance Manager to oversee the integrity of manufacturing processes, ensuring products meet safety and quality benchmarks. You will lead a QA/QC team, driving excellence with regulatory compliance and food safety systems to enable continuous improvement.

The role requires strong expertise in HACCP, GMP, and SQF/BRC programs, plus experience with FDA/USDA regulations and audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field (Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry).
• 7+ years of experience in food manufacturing QA.
• 3+ years in a leadership role overseeing QA/QC teams.
• Strong knowledge of FDA/USDA regulations and federal labeling requirements.
• Experience managing HACCP, GMP, and SQF/BRC certification programs.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement comprehensive food safety programs (HACCP, GMP, FSMA).
• Lead QA/QC operations including lab testing and in-process inspections.
• Oversee internal and external audits with regulators and third parties.
• Lead root-cause analysis and implement CAPAs to mitigate risks.
• Maintain Food Safety and Quality Manual, SOPs, and training docs.
• Collaborate with production and supply chain to meet quality objectives.
• Supervise microbiology and chemistry testing protocols for accuracy.
• Mentor and develop the QA/QC team.

Skills

QA Leadership

Regulatory Compliance

HACCP/GMP/SQF

Data Analytics

Lab Testing

CAPA Management

Team Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s in Food Science/Microbiology/Chemistry

Job description

As a Food Quality Assurance Manager, you will oversee the integrity of our manufacturing processes, ensuring every product meets rigorous safety and quality benchmarks. You will lead a dedicated team to champion a culture of excellence, leveraging your expertise in regulatory compliance and food safety systems to drive continuous operational improvement.

About the Role

As a Food Quality Assurance Manager, you will oversee the integrity of our manufacturing processes, ensuring every product meets rigorous safety and quality benchmarks. You will lead a dedicated team to champion a culture of excellence, leveraging your expertise in regulatory compliance and food safety systems to drive continuous operational improvement.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive food safety programs, including HACCP, GMP, and FSMA, to ensure total regulatory compliance.
• Direct all QA/QC operations, including laboratory testing, in-process inspections, and finished product evaluations to guarantee consistency.
• Manage internal and external audit processes, serving as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies and third-party inspectors.
• Lead root cause analysis for quality non-conformances, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to mitigate future risks.
• Oversee the maintenance of the Food Safety and Quality Manual, ensuring all SOPs and training documentation are current and accessible.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with production and supply chain teams to align operational output with high-level quality objectives.
• Supervise microbiology and chemistry testing protocols, ensuring scientific accuracy in pathogen testing and shelf-life analysis.
• Mentor and develop the QA/QC team, fostering an environment of accountability, professional growth, and technical excellence.

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in food manufacturing quality assurance, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.
• Comprehensive knowledge of FDA and USDA regulations, including federal food labeling requirements.
• Proven expertise in managing HACCP, GMP, and SQF/BRC certification programs.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to utilize quality metrics to drive data-based decision-making.

Preferred Skills

• Active certification as an SQF Practitioner or PCQI.
• Demonstrated success in navigating complex third-party and regulatory audits.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.