SQF/ Quality Manager

Civic Minds; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Minds is seeking an SQF Manager to lead the company\'s food safety and quality programs, ensuring SQF, regulatory, and customer requirements are met. You will develop, implement, and maintain policies and training to foster a strong SQF culture across all departments and drive continuous improvement.

You will investigate, document, and issue Corrective Actions to customers and partners, coordinating with cross-functional teams to uphold safety excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, QA, or related field.
• 3–5 years as lead practitioner for ISO 9001 or SQF in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of SQF, HACCP, GMP and regulatory compliance.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience developing training and documentation for food safety programs.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and solution-focused.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage SQF food safety programs.
• Maintain compliance with SQF requirements, regs, and customer expectations.
• Lead internal audits, inspections, and corrective actions.
• Monitor food safety performance metrics and report to senior leadership.
• Partner with Operations, Production, Quality, and Maintenance teams to ensure compliance.
• Provide guidance to SQF coordinators, managers, and cross-functional teams.
• Stay current on food safety regulations, industry trends, and best practices.
• Manage document control, SOPs, and food safety records for accuracy and compliance.
• Oversee supplier approval, auditing, and monitoring processes.
• Facilitate employee SQF training programs and foster a culture of safety.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and report hazards immediately.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Analytical thinking

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, QA, or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The SQF Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing the company's food safety and quality programs to ensure compliance with SQF (Safe Quality Food) standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. This role develops, implements, and maintains policies, systems, and training to foster a strong SQF food safety culture across all departments and ensures continuous improvement in food safety and quality performance. This position is the lead person to investigate, document and send Corrective Actions to our customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage the company's SQF food safety and quality programs
• Maintain compliance with SQF certification requirements, regulatory standards, and customer expectations
• Lead internal audits, inspections, and corrective action programs
• Monitor food safety and quality performance metrics and report results to senior leadership
• Partner with Operations, Production, Quality, and Maintenance teams to ensure food safety compliance
• Provide guidance and leadership to SQF coordinators, managers, and cross-functional teams
• Stay current on food safety regulations, industry trends, and best practices
• Manage document control, SOPs, and food safety records to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Oversee supplier approval, auditing, and monitoring processes
• Facilitate employee SQF training programs and foster a culture of food safety accountability
• Exhibits a working knowledge of health and safety, responsible for safety awareness, while upholding and improving the culture of safety within the organization. Identify opportunities for improvement and take action if appropriate, before a problem occurs. Report potential hazards, unsafe working conditions, unsafe equipment, unsafe acts, and injuries immediately

Competencies

• Serve as the company's primary authority on SQF food safety and quality standards
• Ensure all departments comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation, and hygiene rules
• Identify, assess, and mitigate food safety risks across the organization
• Lead investigations of food safety incidents, non-conformances, and recalls
• Ensure effective communication of food safety policies and procedures to all staff
• Participate in SQF audits, third-party inspections, and certification processes
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance food safety culture and quality performance
• Embodies the personal commitment to the shared core values of MinMor: Integrity, Quality Teamwork, Gratitude and Continual Improvement

Safety Responsibilities

• Promote and enforce company safety policies and procedures
• Ensure all food safety and quality activities are conducted safely
• Support a safe working environment across all departments
• Report unsafe conditions, incidents, or near misses to senior leadership as applicable

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, or related field preferred
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience as lead practitioner for certifications such as ISO 9001 or SQF management in a manufacturing or packaging environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of SQF, HACCP, GMP, and regulatory compliance programs and certification required
• ISO, or the International Organization for Standardization, develops global standards for quality, safety, and efficiency across various industries. ISO 9001 is a widely recognized quality management system (QMS) standard that emphasizes process control, customer satisfaction, risk-based thinking, and continual improvement, applicable to any organization regardless of sector and may be considered in lieu of SQF credentials.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills
• Proven ability to develop and implement food safety programs and training and documentation
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and solution-focused

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking
• Lifting up to 50 lbs.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing/printing/packaging environment with exposure to production equipment, materials, and noise
• Must be able to work assigned shifts, including overtime when required

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work independently and with Teams
• Willingness to follow company policies, safety rules, and SQF standards
• Commitment to quality, food safety, and continuous improvement

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the General Manager to support operational and business needs.