Quality Assurance Manager

Socket.dev; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Annual bonus eligibility

401k contributions

Job summary

Rise Baking Company is seeking a senior quality assurance leader to oversee food safety, quality and regulatory programs across the facility in Massachusetts. The role ensures GFSI compliance, HACCP leadership, and robust inspection readiness while guiding audit, recall, and improvement initiatives.

The position requires a Bachelor’s in Food Science or related field, 5+ years in QA leadership, and experience with GFSI, cGMPs, FSMA, and regulatory inspections.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field.
• HACCP, PCQI, and OSHA certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive QA and food safety leadership experience.
• Proficient knowledge in food safety programs: GFSI (BRC or SQF), internal auditing, cGMPs, HACCP, FSMA, Sanitation.
• Experience leading regulatory inspections.
• Strong fiscal responsibility and budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food safety program, quality standards, and legality of products manufactured in the facility.
• Maintain the facility GFSI audit standard.
• Ensure compliance with quality policies, procedures, cGMPs, and product specifications.
• Oversee Food Safety and HACCP teams and manage risk assessments.
• Monitor quality metrics and KPIs and recommend improvements to meet standards.
• Lead recall program and act as recall team leader.
• Facilitate customer complaint processes and plant deviation investigations.
• Manage internal audits, verification and validation activities.
• Maintain kosher program and other certifications as required.
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets.

Skills

GFSI knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Auditing

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Purpose

Provide quality assurance, food safety, employee safety, and regulatory leadership to the facility by ensuring quality systems are communicated, implemented, and sustained. Ensure products, systems, and programs are consistent and meet both internal and external requirements

Essential Functions

• Oversee food safety program, quality standards, and legality of products manufactured in the facility
• Maintain the facility GFSI audit standard
• Ensure compliance with quality policies, procedures, cGMPs, and product specifications
• Preserve the integrity of the GFSI and facility quality systems through enforcement of the policies and procedures outlined in the quality/food safety manual
• Oversee Food Safety and HACCP teams, ensuring changes are reviewed in the facility as introduced and potential risks identified
• Monitor quality metrics and key performance indicators and recommend changes to meet standards
• Maintain and update the recall program, acting as the recall team leader
• Facilitate customer complaint process and plant deviation investigations, as well as implement corrective actions for continuous improvement Maintain supplier records ensuring compliance with regulations and guidelines
• Manage the facilities internal auditing program and verification and validation activities to ensure finished product meets established company quality and food safety standards
• Oversee the non-conforming product program for the facility, as well as implement corrective actions for continuous improvement
• Participate in new product development and commercialization process, reviewing all quality and food safety changes as they occur
• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) programs in the facility, e.g., safety manual, safety committee, safety auditing, etc.
• Preserve the integrity of the EHS system through enforcement of the policies and procedures outlined in the safety manual; re-evaluate programs and procedures comprising the safety manual whenever process or facility changes are made
• Evaluate and participate in employee accident investigations to ensure thorough root cause analysis is conducted; implement and ensure corrective actions are completed
• Review facility accident statistics, monitor trends, and provide recommendations on prevention strategies
• Provide guidance to the plant team on OSHA regulations
• Schedule, conduct, and oversee internal and external audits of the Quality, Food Safety, and EHS systems in the facility including all local, state, and federal regulatory agencies
• Maintain kosher program and other certifications (RSPO, Organic, Non-GMO) as required
• Ensure employees are trained adequately on food safety, GFSI, quality assurance concepts, regulatory requirements, and employee safety
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets
• Interview, select, and train quality and supervisory employees
• Directly manage QA Supervisor, Sanitation/Safety Supervisor, and QA administration (others as necessary)
• Keep apprised of industry best practices and developments in federal, state, and local regulations that impact facility quality, food safety, and EHS systems
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications (Education/Experience)

• Bachelor?s degree in Food Science or related degree preferred
• HACCP, PCQI, and OSHA certification preferred
• Minimum 5 years of progressive and demonstrated quality assurance and food safety management leadership experience in the food industry or manufacturing industry
• Proficient knowledge in food safety programs and systems: GFSI (BRC or SQF preferred), internal auditing, cGMPs, HACCP, FSMA, Sanitation
• Experience leading regulatory inspections
• Proven fiscal responsibility (financial planning, budgeting, financial analysis, variance reporting, etc.)Strong computer skills including experience with ERP systems and Microsoft Office
• Excellent skills in the areas of teamwork, motivation, decision making, relationship building, and coaching
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to think critically and solve complex problems
• Ability to organize, manage multiple priorities, and maintain high attention to detail in a fast-paced environment

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C. Residents Only: The salary range for this role is $111,338 to $139,172 annually. Pay is based upon several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. Rise Baking Company complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your annual salary, Rise Baking Company offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, annual bonus eligibility, incentive and recognition programs and 401k contributions (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). At Rise Baking Company, our people are our finest ingredient.