Quality Assurance Manager

California-Dairies,-Inc.-; Los Banos (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

California-Dairies,-Inc.- is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to oversee all quality systems, food safety programs, and regulatory compliance within our dairy manufacturing facility (butter, powder, and packaging). You will lead the QA laboratory team and support overall plant performance.

You will manage SQF, HACCP, and GMP programs, conduct trainer-led sessions, coordinate audits with USDA and state inspectors, and drive continuous improvement across QA functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science, Food Science, or related field is required.
• 4+ years QA leadership experience in a food manufacturing environment, preferably dairy.
• Must hold or obtain State certification as a Certified Industry Supervisor for Appendix N drug residue testing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee SQF, HACCP / Food Safety plan, GMP, Allergen, and Bio-Security programs to ensure food safety and compliance.
• Lead daily reviews of microbiological test results, HACCP sheets, in-process logs, and CIP sanitation records; investigate out-of-spec trends.
• Manage product release processes, including reviewing Certificates of Analysis for butter and powder; manage hold/release inventory.
• Direct the Environmental Microbiological Monitoring program.
• Design and deliver annual and new-hire training for GMP, HACCP / Food Safety plan, Allergen, and Bio-Security programs.
• Conduct daily plant inspections to verify GMP adherence, sanitation, and USDA seal integrity.
• Serve as primary plant liaison for Federal, State, local, USDA, and third-party inspectors during audits and equipment checks.
• Oversee the plant wastewater program, ensuring sampling, testing, and NPDES permit reporting are compliant.
• Manage, schedule, and develop Quality Assurance Technicians; conduct performance evaluations and training.
• Standardize sampling and testing protocols across all laboratory staff.
• Oversee calibration schedules and maintenance for lab and processing equipment (thermometers, NIRs, pH meters, refractometers).
• Manage laboratory supply inventory and purchasing budgets.
• Enforce SQF, QA, GMP, Safety policies; “Food Safety and Quality” responsibilities.

Skills

Root-cause analysis

Analytical troubleshooting

Math/statistical skills

Quality mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science, Food Science, or related field

Certified Industry Supervisor for Appendix N drug residue testing

Tools

Quality tracking software

Lab instruments

Data entry systems

Job description

Job Summary

The Quality Assurance Manager oversees all quality systems, food safety programs, and regulatory compliance for the dairy manufacturing facility (butter, powder, and packaging). This role ensures adherence to the Food Safety plan, HACCP, GMP, SQF, and regulatory standards while leading the QA laboratory team and supporting overall plant performance.

Essential Functions

• Oversee plant SQF, HACCP / Food Safety plan, GMP, Allergen, and Bio-Security programs to ensure total food safety and compliance.
• Lead daily reviews of microbiological test results, daily HACCP / Food Safety plan sheets, in-process production logs, and CIP (Clean-In-Place) sanitation records; investigate out-of-spec trends or cleaning failures.
• Manage product release processes, including reviewing Certificates of Analysis (C of A) for butter and powder; manage hold/release inventory as needed.
• Direct the Environmental Microbiological Monitoring program.
• Design and deliver annual and new-hire training for GMP, HACCP / Food Safety plan, Allergen, and Bio-Security programs.

• Conduct daily plant inspections to verify GMP adherence, sanitation levels, and State/USDA seal integrity.
• Serve as the primary plant liaison for Federal, State, local, USDA, and third-party inspectors during audits and equipment checks.
• Oversee the plant wastewater program, ensuring sampling, testing, and monthly/quarterly/annual NPDES permit reporting are fully compliant.

• Manage, schedule, and develop Quality Assurance Technicians; conduct performance evaluations and training.
• Standardize sampling and testing protocols across all laboratory staff.
• Oversee calibration schedules and maintenance for lab and processing equipment (thermometers, NIRs, pH meters, refractometers, etc.).
• Manage laboratory supply inventory and purchasing budgets.

• Enforce SQF,QA, GMP, Safety policies and procedures, and production needs. “Food Safety and Quality” are the responsibilities of this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

If applicable, include the following:

Lead:

• Clearly communicate the company's vision & goals and how the team's work contributes to them.
• Set a positive example through their own work ethic, attitude, and commitment to quality.
• Develop and empower team members by delegating tasks effectively and providing opportunities for growth and development.

Guide:

• Provide clear instructions and expectations, along with the “why”, for tasks and projects.
• Offer regular feedback and coaching to help team members improve their skills and performance.
• Foster a sense of teamwork and shared purpose, emphasizing that the team is stronger together.

Support:

• Recognize and celebrate team accomplishments and individual contributions.
• Advocate for the team's needs and concerns, up, down, and across the organization.
• Encourage and support the team to challenge the status quo, to identify and suggest process improvements, and to embrace innovation.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strong working knowledge of SQF, HACCP, FSMA, USDA regulations, and NPDES wastewater permits.
• Proven experience managing lab technicians, developing teams, and driving a culture of continuous improvement.
• Strong root-cause analysis, analytical troubleshooting, and math/statistical skills.
• Proficiency with quality tracking software, lab instruments, and basic data entry systems.
• Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science, Food Science, or a related field required.
• 4 or more years of QA leadership experience in a food manufacturing environment (dairy facility experience strongly preferred).
• Certifications: Must hold (or be able to obtain) State certification as a Certified Industry Supervisor for Appendix N drug residue testing.

Language Skills

English is required as the written and spoken language.

Equipment

Personal protective equipment including, but not limited to hearing protection, bump caps, hair and beard nets, gloves, and safety glasses must be used in the performance of duties. Proper lifting techniques must be employed at all times.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations that do not cause an undue hardship if such an accommodation enables individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Exposure to variable temperatures (ranging from refrigerated areas to high-heat dryer rooms over 100°F), wet conditions (CIP processing), and chemical agents (acids, caustics, ammonia). Confined-space entry may be required for inspections.

ADA/FEHA

The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Physical Demands

The physical requirements outlined here represent those necessary for successful performance of this position's core responsibilities. Upon request, the company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these fundamental job duties, provided such accommodations do not create an undue burden on the organization.

Sitting/Standing/Walking:

Stands, walks and sits during completion of job responsibilities.

Lifting/Carrying:

Occasional lifting requirements as job demands. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs. on an occasional basis.

Pushing/Pulling:

Occasional pushing or pulling requirements.

Bending/Stooping:

Occasional bending and stooping requirements.

Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling:

Occasional kneeling or crawling requirements.

Twisting/Turning:

Ongoing twisting or turning requirements.

Climbing/Balancing

Climbing and balancing is required during plant inspections and other related job requirements.

Reaching:

Ongoing reaching requirements associated with job requirements.

Grasping/Manipulating:

Grasping and manipulating of papers, objects, and equipment will be required. Ability to keyboard for data input will be required on an ongoing basis.