Quality Control and Assurance Manager

Lark Ellen Farm; Ojai (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Lark Ellen Farm, based in Ojai, CA, seeks a Quality Control and Assurance Manager to lead all QC and food safety programs from raw materials to finished goods. You will develop SOPs, HACCP plans, and ensure compliance with USDA Organic and Non-GMO standards on an on-site basis.

The role requires analyzing quality data, coordinating lab testing, and training production staff in quality and food safety practices while collaborating with operations, R&D, and procurement for launches and

Qualifications

• Experience with HACCP, GMPs, USDA Organic and Non-GMO standards.
• Experience in process auditing, documentation control, and SOPs.
• Ability to analyze quality data and interpret lab results.
• Collaborates with production, operations, and R&D for validations.
• Strong communication and leadership to train staff on quality.

Responsibilities

• Oversee QC and food safety programs from raw materials to finished goods.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, HACCP plans, and quality documentation.
• Perform routine inspections of production, packaging, and sanitation.
• Coordinate product testing with internal teams and external labs.
• Lead root-cause analysis and implement CAPA to minimize issues.
• Collaborate with operations, procurement, and R&D for new product launches.
• Drive continuous improvement and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

HACCP & GMP

USDA Organic

Non-GMO

SOP development

Quality analytics

Root-cause analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Production floor training

Lab coordination

Education

Bachelor's in Food Science or related field

Job description

Company Description

Lark Ellen Farm is a fast-growing natural foods company and an Inc. 5000 honoree, recognized among America’s fastest-growing private companies. Based in Ojai, California, the company crafts USDA Organic sprouted granolas, nuts, and seeds using its proprietary Air-Crisped™ method and SpaDay™ treatment for a light, oil-free crunch made from clean, real ingredients. Lark Ellen Farm also offers Purely Sprouted, a line of Non-GMO Verified snack mixes featuring sprouted nuts and seeds. The company is proudly woman-founded and guided by the philosophy “Food That Loves You Back™,” focusing on nutritious, high-quality products for health-conscious consumers.

Role Description

The Quality Control and Assurance Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Ojai, CA. This role oversees all quality control and food safety programs, ensuring products meet USDA Organic, Non-GMO, and internal standards from raw material intake through finished goods. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining SOPs, HACCP plans, and quality documentation; performing routine inspections of production processes, packaging, and sanitation; and coordinating product testing with internal teams and external labs. The manager investigates nonconformances, leads root-cause analysis, and implements corrective and preventive actions to minimize quality issues. This role collaborates closely with operations, procurement, and R&D to support new product launches, continuous improvement initiatives, and compliance with regulatory and third-party certification requirements.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in food quality assurance and food safety, including HACCP, GMPs, and familiarity with USDA Organic and Non-GMO standards.


• Strong skills in process auditing, documentation control, and establishing or refining SOPs and quality systems in a food manufacturing environment.


• Ability to perform data analysis related to quality metrics, interpret lab results, and use findings to drive corrective and preventive actions.


• Experience collaborating with production, operations, and R&D teams to troubleshoot process issues and support new product and process validations.


• Effective communication, leadership, and coaching skills to train production staff on quality and food safety expectations and promote a culture of continuous improvement.


• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Quality Management, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience in food manufacturing.


• Prior experience in snack foods, natural, organic, or specialty food manufacturing is highly beneficial.


• Comfort working on-site in a hands-on capacity, including frequent time on the production floor and occasional off-hours support as needed.