Food Safety & QA Supervisor

Smithfield Foods; Mason City (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Food Safety & Quality Assurance leader to oversee FSQA programs and compliance across production areas. You will drive continuous improvement, ensure HACCP/SSOP adherence, and collaborate with plant management and USDA to uphold safety and quality.

The role emphasizes leadership, training, and ownership of SQF systems, with a focus on maintaining product integrity for brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan's Famous.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2+ years in food safety or QA; or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead FSQA programs, ensure compliance and document programs.
• Oversee HACCP, SSOP, and product specs; drive improvements.
• Own SQF system; maintain plan and communicate updates.
• Develop and train FSQA staff; build a high-performance team.

Skills

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

HACCP knowledge

SQF knowledge

Quality improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in science/related field

Tools

SAP

MS Office

Manufacturing software

Job description

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

As part of our Food Safety & Quality Assurance team, you will ensure our products meet the highest safety and quality standards. You will conduct sanitation checks, enforce HAACP and USDA regulations, and track products from start to finish, implementing corrective actions as needed.

Overseeing FSQA programs in specific production areas, you will ensure compliance, train employees, and drive continuous improvement. With opportunities to step into FSQA Manager duties, you will play a vital role in delivering safe, high-quality products under brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan's Famous.

If you are passionate about food safety, quality and leadership, join us and make an impact!

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Food Safety & Quality Assurance Leadership - You'll ensure that all Food Safety, Quality Assurance, SQF, and Regulatory programs are executed and documented accurately, maintaining compliance and product integrity. Your role will involve investigating and resolving product/process failures quickly, minimizing downtime, and ensuring safety and quality standards are consistently met. You will collaborate closely with plant management, production teams, and the USDA to drive continuous improvement in food safety, quality, and sanitation.
• Continuous Improvement & Compliance- You'll prevent failures by actively managing HACCP, SSOP, and product specifications. Leading efforts to improve product quality and processes in partnership with FSQA staff and Operations will be a key responsibility. Additionally, you will oversee and participate in plant committees and task forces, such as the Health and Safety Committee, to enhance safety and quality standards.
• Sanitation & SQF System Ownership - You will conduct operational and pre-operational sanitation inspections and micro sampling to ensure the effectiveness of sanitation practices. As the owner of the SQF system, you'll maintain and reassess the SQF Plan regularly, ensuring it remains compliant and up to date. You will also communicate key updates and ensure team-wide awareness for the effective implementation of the SQF system.
• Team Development - You'll manage the work assignments, training, and development of food safety and quality assurance staff, fostering a high-performance team that upholds the highest standards of food safety and quality.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 2+ years' relevant experience in food safety or quality assurance; 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.
• Familiarity with meat processing, USDA, HACCP, SSOP, and SQF
• Ability to uphold regulatory, company, and customer standards and address inquiries or complaints.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• HACCP and SQF certifications preferred.
• Ability to uphold regulatory, company, and customer standards and address inquiries or complaints.
• Proficiency in database, inventory, manufacturing software, QMS systems, SAP, and MS Office.
• Strong written and oral communication, with excellent decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong planning, multitasking, and project management skills.
• Must complete forms in English; ability to travel up to 20% and work extended hours or weekends as needed.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, fostering positive relationships and a team-oriented atmosphere.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & W