Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager

Aerotek; Captain Cook (HI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation bonus

Medical

Dental

Vision

Vacation pay

Sick leave

401(k) with company match

Company-paid life & disability

FSA

Job summary

Kapua Orchards in Captain Cook, HI is seeking an FSQA Manager to lead all food safety and quality programs across our vertically integrated macadamia operation. You will ensure FDA/FSMA compliance, manage audits, and drive continuous improvement in product quality, safety, and profitability.

The role oversees HACCP, GMP, and quality systems across production, processing, pasteurization, roasting, and packaging, partnering with Operations, Engineering, and Orchard teams to elevate performance and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Food Engineering, Biology, Microbiology, or Chemistry; or equivalent experience in Food Safety & Quality Assurance.
• Minimum of 5 years successful performance in food manufacturing Quality Assurance experience.
• Minimum of 2 years general management experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment or agricultural environment.
• Experience with agricultural processing operations preferred.
• Knowledge of food plant sanitation and laboratory techniques (physical, microbiological, and chemical testing).

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain FSQA programs, manuals, HACCP plans, SOPs, SSOPs, and related documentation.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, customer, and third-party food safety standards.
• Lead internal, regulatory, and third-party audits and inspections.
• Oversee quality monitoring, sampling, testing, inspections, and corrective actions across all processing stages.
• Analyze quality and food safety data, identify trends, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive waste reduction, quality improvements, and operational efficiencies that support business profitability.

Skills

BRCGS GMP HACCP FDA FSMA QA systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

FSQA Manager- Captain Cook, HI $80-100k, +Relocation Bonus!

Job Description

The Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager leads all food safety and quality programs at Kapua Orchards, ensuring compliance with company policies, FDA/FSMA regulations, BRCGS, GMP, HACCP, and industry best practices. This role supports a vertically integrated macadamia operation, including orchard production, grower intake, processing, pasteurization, roasting, and packaging, while driving continuous improvement in product quality, food safety, operational efficiency, and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain FSQA programs, manuals, HACCP plans, SOPs, SSOPs, and related documentation.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, customer, and third-party food safety standards.
• Lead internal, regulatory, and third-party audits and inspections.
• Oversee quality monitoring, sampling, testing, inspections, and corrective actions across all processing stages.
• Analyze quality and food safety data, identify trends, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage product holds, non conforming materials, disposition processes, and root cause investigations.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Warehouse, and Orchard teams to improve quality, yield, and process performance.
• Lead, coach, develop, and manage FSQA staff.
• Foster a strong food safety and quality culture throughout the facility.
• Develop and deliver training programs related to food safety, quality, sanitation, food defense, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with plant and orchard leadership to achieve site objectives and maintain a safe work environment.
• Present FSQA performance metrics and improvement plans to leadership.
• Support new equipment and process implementation from a food safety and quality perspective.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Drive waste reduction, quality improvements, and operational efficiencies that support business profitability.

Essential Skills

• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, GMP, HACCP, FDA, FSMA, and food manufacturing quality systems.
• Proven leadership, problem-solving, analytical, and root cause investigation skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Flexibility to work occasional nights, weekends, and varying schedules based on business needs.
• Maintains professional conduct aligned with company values and standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Food Engineering, Biology, Microbiology, or Chemistry; or equivalent experience in Food Safety & Quality Assurance.
• Minimum of 5 years successful performance in food manufacturing Quality Assurance experience.
• Minimum of 2 years general management experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment or agricultural environment.
• Experience with agricultural processing operations preferred.
• Knowledge of food plant sanitation and laboratory techniques (physical, microbiological, and chemical testing).
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Ability to perform college level mathematical and statistical calculations.
• Ability to summarize, interpret test data, and make recommendations.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills. Able to conduct clear, concise, and convincing business presentations.
• Proficient in computer systems and applications.
• Valid drivers license and use of a vehicle.

Why Work Here?

This position offers a unique opportunity to grow within a specialized skillset while enjoying the beautiful Big Island. The company values long-term employee relationships, as evidenced by many workers having been with the company for 25-30 years. Both the Director and Director of FSQA have been promoted from within, showcasing strong career growth opportunities. Additionally, a relocation bonus is available for qualified candidates.

Work Environment

Work day duties are performed in a plant processing, orchard, outside husking operations, and a typical office environment where the noise level is usually light. The position involves daily visits to the QA Lab in the factory and frequent inspections through the plant where exposure to high noise levels (85+ dB) is common, requiring the use of PPE. This role may be exposed to weather conditions while traveling or visiting the Husking and Power Plant facilities. Lifting is minimal, not exceeding 30 pounds when necessary.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Captain Cook, HI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

MedicalDentalVisionVacation PayHoliday PaySick LeaveCompanypaid life & disability401(k) with company matchFlexible Spending AccountsEmployee Assistance ProgramEmployee product discounts

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Captain Cook, HI.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.