Product Quality Assurance Manager

Umanist NA; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Umanist NA in Sterling, VA is seeking a Product Quality Assurance Manager to lead FSQA initiatives in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

This role partners with R&D, Production, Operations and cross-functional teams to advance product development and ensure regulatory compliance and continuous improvement within the QA program.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of food manufacturing experience or 2–4 years with a graduate degree.
• Hands-on FSQA knowledge and familiarity with GFSI standards.
• Strong leadership, communication and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Support FSQA programs ensuring food safety, quality and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain knowledge of GFSI standards (SQF, BRC, ISO 22000).
• Identify quality risks, investigate issues and drive CAPA actions.
• Collaborate with R&D on product development, trials and commercialization.
• Provide quality input throughout the product lifecycle and resolve issues.
• Lead quality-related projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Review and maintain quality procedures, documentation, and records.
• Support audits, certifications and customer quality requirements.
• Provide technical problem-solving related to food safety and product quality.

Skills

FSQA experience

GFSI knowledge

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Communication

Analytical

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/Engineering/Chemistry/Biology

Graduate degree with 2–4 years experience

Job description

Product Quality Assurance Manager – Food Manufacturing

Location: Sterling, VA

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Arrangement: On-site

Industry: Food Manufacturing

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Product Quality Assurance Manager to join the Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) team of a leading food manufacturing organization.

This role will support food safety and quality programs while partnering closely with R&D, Production, Operations, and other cross-functional teams to support product development, commercialization, manufacturing execution, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will have hands‑on food manufacturing and FSQA experience, knowledge of GFSI standards, and the ability to manage quality initiatives in a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support FSQA programs and ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain working knowledge of GFSI standards, including SQF, BRC, and ISO 22000.
• Identify quality risks, investigate issues, and support CAPA/corrective and preventive actions.
• Partner with R&D on product development, trials, validations, and commercialization.
• Provide quality input throughout the product lifecycle.
• Collaborate with Production, Operations, R&D, and other teams to resolve quality issues.
• Lead and support quality-related projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Review and maintain quality procedures, documentation, and records.
• Support audits, certifications, regulatory compliance, and customer quality requirements.
• Provide technical problem‑solving support related to food safety and product quality.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related technical field with 4–6 years of food manufacturing experience; OR
• Graduate degree with 2–4 years of relevant industry experience.
• Minimum 2 years of FSQA and cross‑functional leadership experience.
• Strong hands‑on experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of GFSI, SQF, BRC, or ISO 22000 standards.
• Strong project management, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety and quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Product development and commercialization experience.
• Experience in USDA‑regulated food manufacturing.
• Experience with sous vide food manufacturing processes.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and quality management systems.
• Experience with audits, certifications, CAPA, HACCP, and continuous improvement.

Skills: continuous improvement,manufacturing,quality assurance,d,food safety,r,product quality,food manufacturing,commercialization,gfsi