Food Safety Manager

Pacific International Executive Search; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in the food service industry is seeking an experienced Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager in Minneapolis. This role involves championing quality initiatives, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and leading a team to uphold organizational excellence. Ideal candidates will hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and have over 5 years of industry experience, particularly in food manufacturing. A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is also emphasized.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing.
• Compliance with FDA and HACCP regulations.
• Proven knowledge of food safety and microbiology.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with corporate food safety and quality standards.
• Conduct assessments of the food safety program.
• Lead and train the Food Safety team.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Microbiology, Chemistry, or Biology

Certified Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI)

HACCP certified

Job description

Pacific International is partnered with a global leader in the food service industry, an organization that has shaped the sector for decades through innovation, customer focus, and a commitment to excellence. We are seeking an experienced Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager to join this high-impact operation, reporting directly to the General Manager of Operations.

As a critical leader on-site, the FSQA Manager will champion quality and food safety initiatives, ensuring that products, processes, and people align with the company’s uncompromising standards. This role will be instrumental in strengthening a culture of quality, partnering across production, operations, and leadership teams to drive continuous improvement and deliver on customer expectations.

Requirements and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology or related degree
• Certified Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing
• Compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), HACCP regulations and customer specifications
• Experience/technical proficiency in food microbiology, food chemistry, food safety, and food regulations.
• Proven analytical and leadership skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Collaborative leader

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, local regulations, customer specifications, and the business’s corporate food safety and quality standards.
• Provide technical expertise in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), food safety, sensory, and quality evaluations.
• Conduct regular assessments of the food safety program and routine microbiological testing.
• Analyze weekly food safety documents, including HACCP logs, and ensure consistent fulfillment of the program.
• Support leadership with audit readiness and coach staff before, during, and after food safety inspections.
• Oversee pest control programs, supplier services, and food safety investigations.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders (suppliers, customers, and regulatory authorities) to sustain food safety standards.
• Lead and train the Food Safety team, ensuring continuous development and high performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Microbiology or related field.
• Certified Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) and HACCP certified.
• 5 years of experience in Food Safety, with a minimum of 2 years in a management role.
• Strong technical knowledge in food microbiology, chemistry, safety, and regulations (e.g., FDA FSMA, cGMP, HACCP).
• Proven analytical and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and manage a team.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain attention to detail.

Pacific International is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion.

At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.