Quality Manager

The Judge Group, INC.; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Disability insurance

PTO

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

The Judge Group, INC. seeks an experienced FSQA Manager to lead quality assurance and food safety programs in a production facility. You will drive compliance with GMP, HACCP, and GFSI standards while guiding QA personnel and coordinating internal and external audits.

Responsibilities include budgeting, policy development, and reporting to management, with oversight of the PCQI/SQF roles and continuous improvement efforts across the quality system.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry or related field preferred, or five years dairy lab testing experience.
• Master's degree in food science or related field is desired.
• Strong knowledge of USDA, FDA and state regulations for dairy and/or dietary supplement facilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day QA and food safety activities within the production facility.
• Lead QA personnel and deliver GMP, HACCP, and food safety training.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, HACCP, GFSI standards (SQF), and NSF requirements.
• Coordinate audits and inspections, and prepare weekly/monthly reports.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Quality management

Root cause analysis

Leadership

Communication

Budgeting

HACCP knowledge

Education

Bachelor in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry

Master's in food science or related field

Job description

Our client offers an attractive compensation package and a best-in-class benefits package that includes but is not limited to medical, vision, dental, life insurance, and more that can be tailored for you and your family. Other benefits for eligible employees include 401(k) up to 6% company match, disability insurance, and paid holidays & vacation. Our client is proud to promote an equal employment opportunity workplace.

Summary of Functions

The FSQA Manager oversees all day-to-day quality assurance and food safety activities within the production facility. This role provides leadership, support, and service to management and staff by developing, implementing, and maintaining quality assurance programs and policies.

The FSQA Manager ensures compliance with company standards, Global Food Safety Initiatives (GFSI), NSF Dietary Supplements certification requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations.

This position manages budgets, establishes internal protocols, and directs the activities of QA personnel. The FSQA Manager will provide oversight of the Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI), the SQF Practitioner, and the SQF Quality Practitioner.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor plant quality through review of microbiological testing, investigate high counts, and report findings and trends.
• Prepare list of any nonconforming product and distribute it to management.
• Review all product Certificates of Analysis, release inventory, and manage product classification.
• Review labels for regulatory and brand compliance.
• Ensure contractor Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP) compliance by managing the interaction between departmental personnel, contractors, and physical plant personnel.
• Conduct and document plant audits of each department daily, including audit of employee GMPs.
• Accompany State, FDA, and USDA Inspector(s) during visits.
• Assist (or designate individual) State Inspector with equipment checks and product sampling.
• Audit all State seals and verify that any broken seals have been reported. Report and maintain records of broken seal reports to USDA and State Regulatory Agency.
• Support, assist, participate, and represent the company during third-party audits such as GFSI audits, customer audits, internal company and plant audits, and governmental agency inspections.
• Audit sanitation through review of CIP records. Investigate and report any cleaning problems. Perform random equipment checks after cleaning.
• Supervise all Quality Assurance personnel.
• Deliver and coordinate GMP, HACCP, food safety, and quality training (initial and annual).
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP).
• Manage pest control programs with monthly audits and corrective action oversight.
• Investigate and manage customer complaints.
• Lead the Food Safety Team and Food Quality Team; present and review Food Safety and Quality Systems status to the management team.
• Manage and investigate Food Safety & Quality Systems incidents to identify root cause using quality management tools.
• Develop and present weekly and monthly reports as needed.
• Oversee and supervise laboratory equipment calibrations and functionality to ensure precise and accurate analysis. Monitor employee work habits with respect to the Safety & Health Management System.
• Remain accessible through company-issued cell phone and available to provide timely support for the needs of the business and team.
• Serve as a member and designated leader of the Food Safety Team and Food Quality Team.
• Support a company culture of continuous improvement by participating in efficiency and improvement efforts.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of QA personnel including hiring, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Conduct job performance reviews and oversee on-the-job training compliance.
• Enforce company policies and escape personnel matters to HR/Division FSQA Manager as needed.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry, or related field preferred, or comparable experience in dairy laboratory testing in five (5) of the last ten (10) years.
• Master's degree in food science or related field is desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Strong knowledge of USDA, FDA, and state regulations for dairy and/or dietary supplement facilities.
• In-depth understanding of Preventive Controls, HACCP, GFSI standards (SQF Food Safety and Quality Codes), and NSF certification requirements.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis, SPC, and other quality management tools.
• Skilled in policy development, process improvement, and resource planning.
• Strong interpersonal, supervisory, and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and resolve sensitive issues.
• Competence in computerized QA systems, report preparation, and presentation delivery.
• Knowledge of budgeting, cost estimation, and fiscal management.
• Ability to work effectively across diverse teams and constituencies.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Must possess or be able to acquire a Certified Sampler license from the State Regulatory Agency.
• Must be able to be licensed as a Certified Industry Supervisor in accordance with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (current edition) and State Regulatory Agency.
• Must be able to acquire a PCQI certification.
• Must be able to acquire GFSI/SQF Practitioner certification.

Benefits

401(k) with company match, disability insurance, PTO, dental, medical, vision, life insurance, and more.

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