Manager, Food Safety QA

Mama's Creations; East Rutherford (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Mama’s Creations, Inc. is seeking a QA/QC Manager to lead quality assurance and control across food manufacturing operations. You will ensure compliance with safety standards, conduct audits, and mentor QA/QC staff to uphold Grandma Quality.

You will collaborate with production, R&D, and supply chain to drive continuous improvement while maintaining regulatory and customer expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, microbiology, chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years QA/QC experience in food manufacturing, with 3+ years in a managerial role.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, quality systems, and industry standards.
• Experience with HACCP, GMP, FSMA, SQF, BRC, or similar certifications.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; familiarity with NetSuite is a plus.
• Ability to analyze data and drive decisions.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage QA/QC systems, food safety programs, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Oversee QA/QC staff and in-process and finished product inspections, lab testing, and documentation.
• Lead internal and external audits (FDA, USDA, Social Audit).
• Maintain the Food Safety and Quality Manual and SOPs, and training docs.
• Collaborate with production, R&D, and supply chain to drive continuous quality improvement.
• Manage microbiology lab and basic chemistry testing protocols.
• Train and mentor QA/QC staff; promote a culture of Grandma Quality.

Skills

QA/QC leadership

Food safety knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Data analysis

Team leadership

English communication

Education

BSc in Food Science

BSc in Microbiology

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

Mama’s Creations, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAMA) is a leading marketer and manufacturer of fresh deli prepared foods, found in over 8,500 groceries, mass, club and convenience stores nationally. The Company’s broad product portfolio, born as Mama Mancini’s, from a rich history in Italian foods, now consists of a variety of high quality, fresh, clean and easy to prepare foods to address the needs of both our consumers and retailers. Our vision is to become a one-stop-shop deli solutions platform, leveraging vertical integration and a diverse family of brands to offer a wide array of prepared foods to meet the changing demands of the modern consumer. For more information, please visit https://mamascreations.com.
The QA/QC Manager leads and manages all aspects of quality assurance and quality control within our food manufacturing operations. This role ensures that all products meet internal standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations for safety, Grandma Quality, and consistency. This role requires the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, and have strong knowledge of food safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and strong leadership skills to promote our culture of values: Commit to Craftsmanship, Nurture Relationships, and Honor Heritage. Incumbents will demonstrate a commitment to taking pride in their work, innovating within tradition, and fostering an inclusive and supportive team environment.
Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage quality systems, food safety programs, and regulatory compliance standards (HACCP, GMP, FSMA, SQF/BRC, etc.) Build and uphold a robust Grandma Quality culture rooted in excellence and pride in craftsmanship, while continuously identifying opportunities to enhance systems without compromising traditional integrity.
• Prepare compliance packets, product specs, and questionnaire responses for customers, auditors, and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee all QA/QC staff and operations, including in-process and finished product inspections, lab testing, and documentation. Foster a respectful and inclusive environment where every team member feels empowered and accountable for maintaining the highest Grandma Quality standards.
• Lead internal and external audits, including customer, third-party, and regulatory inspections (e.g., FDA, USDA, Social Audit.)
• Familiar with Federal Food Labeling requirements for meat and poultry (certification preferred).
• Investigate quality complaints and non-conformances, lead root cause analysis, and implement corrective/preventive actions (CAPAs). Support solutions-oriented approach that values learning, celebrates improvements, and drives progress through collaboration.
• Maintain and update the Food Safety and Quality Manual, SOPs, and training documentation. Ensure documentation reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence while creating accessible resources that support learning, diversity in knowledge levels, and continuous team development.
• Collaborate with production, R&D, and supply chain teams to drive continuous improvement and ensure Grandma Quality objectives are met. Encourage open communication across departments, championing cross-functional support and respect to strengthen our shared commitment to Grandma Quality.
• Manage microbiology laboratory and basic chemistry testing protocols (SMA, pathogen testing, NDS, fat analysis, pH meters, etc.) Ensure scientific integrity while supporting staff development and encouraging a culture of curiosity and innovation within our established methods.
• Manage record-keeping and reporting systems related to Grandma Quality metrics and regulatory requirements.
• Manage shelf-life protocols and testing to ensure product consistency, safety, excellence, and Grandma Quality.
• Train and mentor QA/QC staff on procedures, protocols, and Grandma Quality culture. Lead with empathy and inclusion, celebrate contributions, and support growth.
• Monitor sanitation programs and environmental testing, ensuring compliance with microbiological and allergen control standards. Promote a clean and safe working environment where respect for coworkers and the consumer is reflected in every procedure.
• Ensure raw materials, packaging, and finished products meet all established Grandma Quality specifications. Honor our heritage by maintaining product integrity and by respecting the contributions of suppliers, production teams, and partners.
• Maintain and publish a weekly audit schedule for rotation of technicians between kitchen, packing, warehouse inbound/outbound, etc., providing balanced coverage. Promote fairness, balance, and cross-training opportunities to support team agility and growth.
• Performs additional tasks and responsibilities as required to support team and business needs.
  

Essential Qualifications
Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements for internal applicants.

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of QA/QC experience in a food manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, quality systems, and industry standards.
• Experience with HACCP, GMP, FSMA, SQF, BRC, or similar certifications.
• Excellent leadership, communication (English,) and organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiarity with NetSuite (a plus.)
• Ability to analyze data and use metrics to drive decisions.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to continuous improvement and quality excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified SQF Practitioner, PCQI, HACCP, or other relevant certifications.
• Experience with audits and regulatory agency inspections.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Work Environment & Essential Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, or stoop for extended periods.
• Hearing sufficiently to monitor equipment sounds, alarms, or verbal instructions in noisy environments.
• Lift/carry or move items weighing up to 60 pounds.
• Be exposed to loud noises, dust, fumes, chemicals, extreme hot/cold temperatures or other environmental elements while on-site.
• Ability to use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, or lab coats.
• Ability to climb stairs and access elevated platforms or confined spaces in some settings.