Food Safety & Technical Operations Leader

Judge Direct Placement; Rockmart (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Judge Direct Placement is seeking a senior technical operations leader in Georgia to oversee all aspects of food manufacturing, quality systems, and laboratory operations. You will ensure compliance with FDA/USDA regulations and GFSI programs, lead high-performing teams, and drive continuous improvement across QA, R&D, and production.

You will manage microbiology and chemistry labs, oversee lab certifications and audits, supervise lab techs, and lead corrective actions and CAPA investigations

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of FDA/USDA regulations and GFSI programs.
• Proven ability to build and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience in project management and process optimization (Six Sigma/Lean).
• Strong communication and collaboration across departments and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical operations across all aspects of food manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with FDA/USDA and industry standards (HACCP, GMP, BRC, Halal, Organic).
• Oversee microbiological and chemical laboratories; manage lab certifications and audits.
• Lead lab technicians and scheduling; drive corrective actions and CAPA investigations.
• Develop and implement robust QA programs; conduct audits and inspections.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvements.
• Oversee R&D and collaborate with Sales for samples and product development.
• Respond to customer complaints and drive resolution; coordinate cross-functional teams.

Skills

Food safety regulations

Quality systems

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Continuous improvement

Six Sigma/Lean

Lab oversight

Regulatory compliance

Job description

Judge Direct Placement is seeking a senior technical operations leader in Georgia to oversee all aspects of food manufacturing, quality systems, and laboratory operations. You will ensure compliance with FDA/USDA regulations and GFSI programs, lead high-performing teams, and drive continuous improvement across QA, R&D, and production.

You will manage microbiology and chemistry labs, oversee lab certifications and audits, supervise lab techs, and lead corrective actions and CAPA investigations