Quality Performance Lead

Ircagroup; Affton (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

401(k) matching

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee education tuition reimbursement program

Job summary

Ircagroup seeks a Quality Performance Lead in Affton, MO, to enhance the Quality Management System (QMS). This role involves ensuring audit readiness and regulatory compliance while fostering a strong culture of food safety through collaboration and insights.

The candidate will oversee document control systems, lead internal audits, and manage food safety programs. A Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3–7 years of relevant experience are required. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical coverage and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of experience in Quality, Food Safety, or related function within food manufacturing.
• Experience with SQF or equivalent GFSI scheme required; PCQI certification preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with QMS ownership, audit leadership, and CAPA systems.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage document control systems.
• Lead internal audit programs for SQF and GMP.
• Maintain and improve Food Safety and Quality Plans.

Skills

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Intelex

Optiva

ERP systems

Job description

Job Purpose

The Quality Performance Lead is responsible for governance, effectiveness, and continuous improvement of the site Quality Management System (QMS). This role ensures audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and robust food safety programs while driving a prevention‑first culture through data‑driven insights, strong system ownership, and cross‑functional collaboration.

QMS Governance & System Integrity

• Own and manage document control systems, including procedures, records, and version control
• Lead Change Control / Management of Change (MOC) program governance and execution
• Lead Management Review and Food Safety Team processes, including scheduling, KPI inputs, and action tracking
• Establish, maintain, and execute the site verification and validation master schedule

Audit & Compliance Leadership

• Lead internal audit programs (SQF, GMP), including audit planning, execution, and follow‑up
• Coordinate and support external audits (customer, certification, regulatory), ensuring readiness and effective execution
• Collaborate on audit responses, ensuring clear root cause, CAPA, and timely submission
• Manage certification programs (e.g., Organic, RSPO, Fair Trade, Kosher, etc.), including compliance and inventory/accounting requirements where applicable
• Provide updates and represent Quality in customer and certification forums as needed

Risk Management & Food Safety Programs

• Maintain and continuously improve Food Safety Plan and Quality Plan, including hazard analyses and controls
• Lead Food Defense program implementation, assessments, and updates
• Support PCQI responsibilities, including verification activities
• Ensure robust traceability systems and conduct traceability exercises to verify effectiveness

Issue Management & Continuous Improvement

• Own and oversee the CAPA program, including quality of root cause analysis, effectiveness verification, and closure discipline
• Track, trend, and analyze deviations, non‑conformances, complaints, and CAPAs to drive systemic improvements
• Audit third‑party warehouses and external storage locations as needed

Commercialization & Product Compliance

• Participate in commercialization and production readiness processes to ensure quality and compliance requirements are met
• Review and approve product specifications, labeling, and certification claims
• Support customer questionnaires, technical documentation, and regulatory inquiries
• Review and approve system workflows (e.g., Optiva), ensuring alignment with quality and food safety requirements
• Est up systematic product inspection plans (align SFDC, Optiva PLM and M3)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field
• 3–7 years of experience in Quality, Food Safety, or related function within food manufacturing
• Experience with SQF or equivalent GFSI scheme required; PCQI certification preferred
• Strong working knowledge of food safety systems, regulatory requirements (FSMA), and certification standards
• Demonstrated experience with QMS ownership, audit leadership, and CAPA systems
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement
• Effective cross‑functional collaboration and influencing skills
• Strong communication skills, with ability to interface with customers, auditors, and leadership
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Proficiency in quality systems and tools (e.g., Intelex, Optiva, ERP systems)
• Ability to interpret technical, regulatory, and scientific information
• Capable of presenting information clearly to stakeholders at multiple levels
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401(k) matching
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Employee education tuition reimbursement program