Quality Assurance Manager - Acorn

farmerfocus; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

weekly payroll

paid time off and sick leave

semi-subsidized medical coverage

dental and vision plan options

401(k) plan with company match

education reimbursement opportunities

employee assistance programs (EAP)

internal learning, development, and/c"

Job summary

Farmer Focus seeks a Quality Assurance Manager to lead all plant food safety and quality assurance functions, ensuring products meet customer, regulatory, and company requirements. You will oversee FSQA staff, audits, corrective actions, and the Food Safety Plan, collaborating with Operations, R&D, Sales, and Supply Chain to maintain USDA/FSIS/FSMA/GMP compliance.

This onsite role requires travel to multiple plant locations and a track record of data-driven decision making and continuous

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Food Science, Meat Science, Poultry Science, or related field.
• 4+ years in a food safety/QA leadership role.
• HACCP certification preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience coaching and developing cross-functional teams.
• Proficient with Word, Excel, Outlook, UltiPro and Workday.
• Knowledge of USDA/FSIS/FSMA/HACCP/GMP and preventive controls preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day FSQA functions for the facility, including 1st and 2nd processing.
• Implement robust quality control processes, inspections, and continuous improvement.
• Lead and manage FSQA team with guidance, training, and mentoring.
• Oversee staffing, overtime and budget allocation for FSQA.
• Conduct inspections and audits of production processes, raw materials, and finished products.
• Collaborate with Operations, R&D, and Supply Chain to resolve quality issues.
• Engage with customer feedback and perform root cause analysis with preventive actions.
• Oversee FSQA data handling, analysis and reporting.
• Develop and execute food safety and quality programs for operational excellence.
• Develop and maintain the facility Food Safety Plan.
• Ensure HACCP, GMPs, sanitation preventive controls, and all prerequisites.
• Manage Allergen Preventive Controls Program and labeling accuracy.
• Meet with vendors and customers to discuss quality concerns.
• Revise the quality control manual to include statistical controls.
• Represent FSQA in meetings and perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

FSQA leadership

Analytical skills

Cross-functional leadership

Quality problem-solving

Education

B.S./B.A. in Food Science or related

Tools

Word

Excel

Outlook

UltiPro

Workday

Job description

Quality Assurance Manager Job Description

Job Title: Quality Assurance Manager

Department: Quality Assurance

Reports To: Head of Quality Assurance

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Acorn

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Shift / Schedule: 1st shift, Flexible schedule based on business and facility needs

Travel Requirements: Ability to travel to multiple plant locations up to 15–20% of the time

Employment Type: Full-time

Role Overview / Purpose and Scope

The Quality Assurance Manager provides leadership and direction for all plant food safety and quality assurance functions in support of the company’s food safety goals. This role ensures all products produced meet or exceed customer, regulatory, and company requirements related to food safety and quality. The QA Manager serves as a key liaison between the USDA and internal departments, including Sales, Operations, R&D, and Supply Chain, and is responsible for managing FSQA personnel, departmental budgets, audits, corrective actions, and ongoing food safety program compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day FSQA functions for the facility, including 1st and 2nd processing.
• Implement robust quality control processes, conduct inspections, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead and manage the FSQA team by providing guidance, training, coaching, and mentoring to achieve departmental objectives.
• Oversee staffing, overtime management, and budget allocation for the FSQA department.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits of production processes, raw materials, and finished products to identify and address quality issues or failures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Operations, R&D, and Supply Chain, to resolve quality-related concerns and implement corrective actions.
• Engage proactively with customer and consumer feedback, conduct root cause analysis, and implement effective preventive measures.
• Oversee FSQA data handling, analysis, and reporting processes.
• Contribute to the development and execution of food safety and quality programs that support operational excellence, customer satisfaction, financial performance, and market leadership.
• Develop and maintain the facility Food Safety Plan.
• Ensure HACCP, GMPs, sanitation preventive controls, supply chain preventive controls, and all other prerequisite food safety standards are met according to USDA, FSIS, FSMA, and corporate requirements.
• Manage the Allergen Preventive Controls Program, including accurate allergen labeling on finished food products and prevention of allergen cross-contact.
• Meet with vendors, customers, quality representatives, and company personnel to discuss and resolve quality concerns as required.
• Revise and update the quality control manual to incorporate statistical control programs.
• Represent the FSQA function in meetings and complete other duties as assigned.

Compensation

$110,000 - $130,000

Benefits

• weekly payroll
• paid time off and sick leave
• semi-subsidized medical coverage
• dental and vision plan options
• a 401(k) plan with company match
• education reimbursement opportunities
• employee assistance programs (EAP)
• internal learning, development, and career growth programs

All benefits, programs, and offerings are subject to eligibility requirements, plan terms, and company policies, and may be changed, amended, or discontinued by Farmer Focus at any time.

Qualifications

• B.S. or B.A. degree, or equivalent, in Food Science, Meat Science, Poultry Science, or a related field required.
• 4+ years of relevant experience in a comparable food safety, quality assurance, or plant leadership position.
• HACCP certification preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities to identify, investigate, and resolve quality issues.
• Demonstrated cross‑functional team leadership skills, including the ability to coach, mentor, and develop team members.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, UltiPro, and Workday.
• Knowledge of USDA, FSIS, FSMA, HACCP, GMP, sanitation preventive controls, supply chain preventive controls, and allergen preventive controls requirements preferred.

New team members must be able to pass a drug, alcohol and background screening post‑offer and prior to the start of their employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of their third day of work.

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Travel

The Quality Assurance Manager must be able to work in a variety of settings, including the office, outside grounds, and the plant production floor. This role may be exposed to varying plant conditions, including cold areas, warm areas, chemicals, and other site‑specific conditions. The position requires the ability to travel to multiple plant locations up to 15–20% of the time.

This position does not have an application deadline. Farmer Focus will recruit until the role is filled.

About Farmer Focus

Farmer Focus exists to promote and protect generational family farms by shifting farm‑level decision‑making and chicken ownership back to farmers and empowering them to farm the way they know is best. We are committed to producing 100% organic and humanely raised chicken that is better for people, the planet, and animals. Our culture is grounded in servant leadership and guided by our CARES values: Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Stewardship. Our top priorities are people, safety, and quality. At Farmer Focus, our vision is to disrupt the status quo by creating bold opportunities for people who demand more and deserve better.

EOE Statement

EOE, including disability/vets