Food Safety & Quality Leader - PCQI & Audit Ready

Piedmont Candy Company; Lexington (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Piedmont Candy Company in Lexington, NC is seeking a Food Safety & Quality Manager to design, lead, and oversee our comprehensive safety and quality programs. You will head a small team, ensure FDA and BRC compliance, and drive audit readiness, training, and continuous improvement.

You will partner with Operations, HR, and Maintenance to embed quality into every process, lead CAPA activities, and serve as PCQI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Safety, Quality, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing with leadership in Food Safety and/or Quality.
• Strong knowledge of FDA regulations and BRC/GFSI standards requirements.
• Proven success leading audits and interacting with regulators and customers.
• Experience managing HACCP and GMP programs.
• Certifications such as HACCP, PCQI, SQF/BRC Practitioner preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage all food safety and quality programs, including BRC certification, HACCP plans, GMPs, allergen control, traceability, recall, and sanitation verification.
• Lead the development, revision, and validation of HACCP and food safety plans.
• Ensure programs are audit-ready and effective, working closely with cross-functional leaders.
• Direct the Food Safety & Quality Coordinator in supporting program documentation and daily compliance activities.
• Lead preparation and defense for regulatory, certification, and customer audits (FDA, BRC).
• Serve as the site's designated Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI).
• Provide ongoing support to HR related to occupational health & safety programs.
• Supervise and mentor the Food Safety & Quality Coordinator and QA Technicians.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, and HR to deliver training for GMPs and compliance.
• Lead CAPA for product quality and food safety issues.
• Monitor compliance metrics and drive improvements.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Safety, Quality, Engineering, or related field

Tools

HACCP

PCQI

FDA regulations

BRC/GFSI standards

Job description

Piedmont Candy Company in Lexington, NC is seeking a Food Safety & Quality Manager to design, lead, and oversee our comprehensive safety and quality programs. You will head a small team, ensure FDA and BRC compliance, and drive audit readiness, training, and continuous improvement.

You will partner with Operations, HR, and Maintenance to embed quality into every process, lead CAPA activities, and serve as PCQI.