Quality Assurance Manager

Nature's Path; Sussex (WI); On-site; USD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Nature's Path in Sussex, Wisconsin is seeking a QA leader to elevate our food safety and quality programs. You will work with plant leaders to identify risks, implement corrective actions, and guide QA initiatives across the facility.

Responsibilities include overseeing sampling and testing to spec, conducting inspections, managing certifications (organic, kosher, gluten-free), and coaching the QA team to support new products and processes while driving continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years QA experience in food manufacturing.
• A bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of food safety and quality programs, including HACCP and GMPs.
• Experience investigating issues, conducting audits, and following corrective actions through to completion.
• The ability to work with production teams, communicate clearly, and respond decisively when priorities change.
• Strong attention to detail, a practical approach to problem-solving, and a willingness to keep learning.
• Experience leading or coaching a QA team and using Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methods would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and improve food safety and quality programs.
• Partner with plant leaders to identify quality risks and reinforce accountability.
• Oversee product sampling and testing against company specifications.
• Conduct plant inspections and system audits, working with sanitation and operations to resolve findings.
• Investigate quality concerns and customer complaints and implement corrective actions.
• Manage audit readiness and third-party certifications (organic, kosher, gluten-free).
• Maintain ingredient and raw material specifications; oversee pest control.
• Use quality data and reporting to spot trends and drive continuous improvement.
• Provide quality support for new products, processes, and equipment.
• Coach and develop the QA team and contribute to safety and continuous improvement.

Skills

QA experience

Communication

Detail oriented

Problem solving

Lean Six Sigma

Leadership

Coaching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

• Lead and improve food safety and quality programs, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and train teams to follow them consistently.
• Partner with plant leaders to identify quality risks, address gaps, and reinforce accountability for food safety and product standards.
• Oversee product sampling and testing against company specifications, including sensory and microbiological requirements.
• Conduct plant inspections and system audits, working with sanitation and operations to resolve findings and maintain a safe, clean facility.
• Investigate quality concerns and customer complaints, identify root causes, and put effective corrective actions in place.
• Manage audit readiness and third-party certifications, including organic, kosher, and gluten-free requirements.
• Maintain ingredient and raw material specifications, work with suppliers on quality issues, and oversee the pest control program.
• Use quality data and reporting to spot trends, verify product standards, and guide continuous improvement.
• Provide quality support for new products, processes, and equipment.
• Coach and develop the QA team while contributing to the plant’s safety and continuous improvement efforts.

What you bring

• 3–5 years of quality assurance experience in food manufacturing.
• A bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of food safety and quality programs, including HACCP and GMPs.
• Experience investigating issues, conducting audits, and following corrective actions through to completion.
• The ability to work with production teams, communicate clearly, and respond decisively when priorities change.
• Strong attention to detail, a practical approach to problem-solving, and a willingness to keep learning.
• Experience leading or coaching a QA team and using Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methods would be an asset.

Salary and Location:

Sussex, Wisconsin | $105,000–$115,000 per year + bonus

Equal Opportunity Employer
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