Quality Assurance Manager

Pacific International Executive Search; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific International Executive Search is seeking an FSQA Manager for a leading North American food manufacturing organization with a flagship California site. You will partner with the Director of FSQA and Regulatory Science to strengthen food safety, audit performance, and program maturity in a USDA- and FDA-regulated SQF environment.

The role is highly visible within a 1,000+ person facility and involves leading audits, cross-functional collaboration, and building robust FSQA programs.

Qualifications

• Experience leading FSQA programs in USDA/FDA-regulated environments.
• Certified SQF Practitioner and PCQI credentials are required.
• Track record managing audits and driving corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Lead USDA, FDA, third-party, and customer audits from prep to follow-up.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to meet regulatory and customer standards.
• Develop and maintain SQF and internal compliance programs, including training and document control.
• Manage supplier approval, spec management, and customer complaint resolution processes.
• Serve as technical FSQA expert to identify risks and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

FSQA leadership

Audit management

Regulatory compliance

SQF Practitioner

PCQI

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Pacific International has been retained by a leading North American food manufacturing organization as it continues its journey of operational excellence and technical transformation across its high-volume processing facilities. With a flagship site in California producing ready-to-eat deli products for national retail and foodservice partners, the company is investing in elevating its food safety and quality programs across the board.

With this, they are seeking a confident and detail-oriented FSQA Manager to serve as a strategic partner to the Director of FSQA and Regulatory Science. This individual will play a key role in enhancing food safety, strengthening audit performance, and helping drive the next phase of program maturity in a USDA- and FDA-regulated, SQF-certified environment. This is a highly visible leadership position within a 1,000+ person facility and a critical hire for the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead USDA, FDA, third-party, and customer audits across all stages of preparation, execution, and follow-up
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners in Operations, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to ensure regulatory and customer standards are met
• Support and eventually co-lead the development of SQF and internal compliance programs, including training, document control, and validation systems
• Manage or support the supplier approval program, spec management, and customer complaint resolution processes
• Serve as the site’s technical expert in food safety, helping to proactively identify risks and drive continuous improvement
• Strong knowledge of USDA and FDA regulations and experience working in dual-regulated food manufacturing environments
• Certified SQF Practitioner and PCQI, with a successful track record leading audits and maintaining certification
• Experience building or restructuring FSQA programs and policies from the ground up
• Clear, confident communicator with excellent written and verbal skills
• Ability to earn trust and influence across cross-functional teams and plant leadership

About Pacific International Executive Search:

Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion. Our adaptability, agility, and forward-thinking ethos distinguish us in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Since 1997, we have been dedicated to building lasting client partnerships based on trust and reliability, and a proven track record of successful C-suite and mid- to senior-level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally.

Diversity Statement:

At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.