Quality Manager(Food Manufacturing)

ClearBridge Executive Search; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ClearBridge Executive Search seeks an experienced Food Quality Manager to lead and improve food safety, QA, regulatory compliance, and audit programs in a manufacturing setting.

You will manage certifications, CAPA, and supplier quality while driving continuous improvement and readiness for customer audits. Strong leadership and knowledge of HACCP/FSMA are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, QA or related field.
• 5+ years of QA or Food Safety leadership in a food manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, GMPs, SQF, FDA regulations and FSMS.
• Audyting experience with internal, customer and third-party audits.
• Experience with CAPA, root cause analysis, risk assessments and CI.

Responsibilities

• Lead all food safety and QA programs to ensure regulatory and company standards.
• Maintain audit readiness through internal, third-party, and customer audits.
• Manage certifications and compliance programs including specialized ones.
• Lead recall, crisis management and risk assessment activities with facility leadership.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and quality system documentation.
• Monitor process control systems, preventive measures and quality monitoring.
• Review production records for compliance with standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in food safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead HACCP and Food Safety programs including allergen management and preventive controls.
• Serve as PCQI and oversee Food Safety Plan requirements.

Skills

Food safety leadership

Audits & compliance

CAPA & root cause analysis

Regulatory compliance

PCQI (preferred)

HACCP certification (preferred)

Strong leadership & communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Food Quality Manager to lead and continuously improve food safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and audit programs within a manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for maintaining quality systems, managing food safety initiatives, supporting customer and regulatory requirements, and driving continuous improvement across the facility. The ideal candidate will be a strong leader with expertise in food safety, quality management systems, certifications, audits, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all food safety and quality assurance programs to ensure compliance with regulatory and company standards.
• Maintain audit readiness through internal audits, third-party audits, customer audits, and corrective action management.
• Manage quality certifications and compliance programs, including specialized food safety and quality certifications.
• Lead recall, crisis management, and risk assessment activities in partnership with facility leadership.
• Develop, implement, and maintain change management processes to ensure effective execution of approved changes.
• Manage validation and verification activities for food safety and quality programs.
• Monitor and improve process control systems, preventive measures, and quality monitoring programs.
• Review production records and processing documentation to ensure compliance with established standards.
• Analyze quality and process performance data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Manage customer and supplier quality complaints, investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Approve and audit supplier quality and food safety compliance programs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on food safety, quality, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.
• Lead HACCP and Food Safety programs, including allergen management and preventive controls.
• Serve as the Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) and oversee Food Safety Plan requirements.
• Lead Food Defense, Food Fraud, security, and vulnerability assessment programs.
• Support new product launches and customer onboarding activities by ensuring compliance with product specifications and quality requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality system documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Quality Assurance, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of Quality Assurance or Food Safety leadership experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, GMPs, SQF, FDA regulations, and food safety management systems.
• Experience leading internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Knowledge of CAPA, root cause analysis, risk assessments, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing supplier quality programs and customer complaint investigations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• PCQI Certification
• HACCP Certification
• Food Defense Certification
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience