Sr. Quality Assurance Manager

PetAg, Inc.; Hampshire (IL); On-site; USD 106,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Sr Quality Assurance Manager to lead food safety and quality assurance efforts. This role involves managing a dedicated team, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and implementing quality systems to maintain product excellence. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of food safety regulations. This position offers a dynamic work environment where innovation and continuous improvement are valued, making it an exciting opportunity for those passionate about quality assurance in the food industry.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Short- and Long-term Disability

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Account

Paid Holidays & Paid Time Off

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Qualifications

• 5 years of leadership experience in Quality Assurance in food manufacturing.
• In-depth understanding of FSMA, FDA regulations, and HACCP.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food safety and quality assurance personnel activities.
• Implement and maintain testing programs for raw materials and finished products.
• Conduct internal audits and develop corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership

Food Safety Knowledge

Quality Assurance

Regulatory Compliance

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science

7–10 years of experience without a degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

D365

Smartsheet

Job description

At PBI-Gordon Companies, and our subsidiaries PBI-Gordon Corporation, Pegasus Laboratories, and PetAg, Inc, our priority is people, pets, and the places they go. As employee owners, we support each other in building our careers as well as our companies. Our foundation is rooted in integrity, innovation, partnership, and pride. Come grow with us!

Summary:

The Sr Quality Assurance Manager will report to the Director of Research & Development and is responsible for directing, coordinating, and managing all food safety and quality activities to ensure finished products meet company standards and are regulatory compliant. In addition, this position is responsible for leading and overseeing the food safety and quality assurance team, lab activities, tracking, investigating, and responding to all Customer Complaints. It includes leading a team of 4 direct reports, guiding them in the development, implementation, and maintenance of quality systems and processes. The Sr Quality Assurance Manager will ensure production specifications, food safety and quality programs and required regulatory requirements are being followed. They will also be responsible for all export certifications, GFSI certifications, GMP, and other programs that are current and renewed when needed.

Major Duties / Responsibilities:

• Oversee food safety and quality assurance personnel activities including supervision, training, and overall development of staff.
• Able to communicate needed resources to the Senior Leadership Team in support of current or future projects.
• Attend and participate in strategic planning sessions with senior management, communicate project timelines to staff, and give updates on project milestones.
• Direct employees engaged in inspection and testing activities to ensure continuous control and quality of products. Update as needed.
• Research and establish new quality programs/labs and certifications as needed through the evaluation of gaps in current programs.
• Implement and maintain raw material and finished product testing programs.
• Oversee all Food Safety and Quality Programs of the company.
• Create, standardize, and maintain HACCP, SOP, SSOP’s, and audit the programs.
• Ensure company is complying with cGMP standards as required by the FDA.
• Establish and maintain all required certifications with Regulatory Agencies.
• Perform internal audits, mock audits, and develop corrective actions.
• Conduct employee training and cGMP training as required by the FDA.
• Review Quality records to meet HACCP requirements.
• Perform internal and mock audits and establish appropriate CAPAs.
• Maintain and track all CAPA and Adverse Event incidents.
• Responsible for meeting and maximizing Quality Department Budget.
• All other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred.
• 5 years of leadership/management experience with Food Safety degree or 7–10 years without degree. Experience must be in Quality with food manufacturing facility.
• In-depth understanding of FSMA, FDA CFR 21 Parts 110, 117, and 507, USDA regulations, and pet food industry standards.
• Knowledge of labeling claims verification, and regulatory documentation.
• Skilled in cross-functional collaboration with production, R&D, supply chain, and regulatory teams.
• Experience working with FDA, USDA, FSMA, AAFCO, and/or GFSI regulatory frameworks.
• The ability to define, establish, and provide clear direction and vision to team members is necessary to exceed this role.
• Strong understanding of HACCP, GMPs, and Preventive Controls for human and animal food.
• Qualifies as a PCQI (Preventative Control Qualified Individual).
• Experience with third-party audits (e.g., SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000) and regulatory inspections.
• Proficiency in sanitation programs, allergen control, and environmental monitoring.
• Knowledge of microbiological testing, pathogen control, and risk-based food safety approaches.
• Ability to manage supplier quality programs and vendor audits.

Soft Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Attention to detail with commitment to food safety and product quality.
• Ability to work in a high energy, fast-paced, high-pressure manufacturing environment.
• Passion for continuous improvement and innovation in food safety.
• Demonstrated analytic, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and D365.
• Additional knowledge within Smartsheet is a plus.
• Familiarity with advanced food safety technologies is a plus.
• Travel required in this position: 0-10%.

The pay range for this role considers a wide range of factors including but not limited to: skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, geographical location, and other organizational needs.

The estimated pay range for this role is $106,913 Min to $160,369 Max per year.

Additionally, you will be eligible to participate in a bonus incentive program associated with this specific role.

PBI-Gordon Companies and its subsidiaries are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible, full-time employees who work 30 hours per week or more. Full-time employees will become eligible to participate in benefits on the first of the month following their start date, unless stated otherwise below.

Medical Insurance:

We are committed to helping you and your dependents maintain health and wellness by offering voluntary, competitive medical insurance and prescription drug plan options.

Vision Insurance:

Our voluntary vision insurance plan is designed to help protect you and your dependents eye health. Coverage is available for eye exams, frames, lenses, and contact lenses. Employee owners are responsible for 100% of the cost of this plan.

Life Insurance with Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D):

We offer a company-paid $50,000 life insurance policy with AD&D. You also have the opportunity to purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for yourself, your spouse and/or your dependent children. The cost for this coverage is based on the amount you elect and your age.

Short- and Long-term Disability:

Our company-paid short-term and long-term disability plans to provide income replacement in the event you are not able to work due to illness or injury. Short-term disability will provide 70% income replacement up to $1,350 per week and long-term disability will provide 60% income replacement up to $5,000 per month.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

EAP Services are company paid to benefit all employee-owners and their families. EAP provides up to six free counseling sessions to help you and your family members manage life stressors, solve personal or relationship concerns, and achieve your goals.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA):

Flexible Spending Plans offer employee-owners the option to set aside pre-tax monies into a medical reimbursement or dependent care account to help pay for out-of-pocket medical, dental or vision expenses or day care costs. The maximum contributions are determined by the IRS and adjusted annually. This is a use-it-or-lose-it account, meaning any funds remaining in the account following the close of the plan year will be forfeited.

Paid Holidays & Paid Time Off (PTO):

Everyone needs time off to rest and recharge! Paid time off includes Regular PTO, Personal PTO, and specified paid company holidays.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP):

We act like we own the company because we do! An ESOP provides employees with an ownership stake in the company. It’s an additional form of compensation directly tied to PBI-Gordon Companies financial success. All regular employees are eligible to participate in the ESOP the first of the month following 30 days of service.

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan:

Saving for retirement is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. We offer a 401(k)-retirement savings plan to assist employees with this important financial goal.

Fitness Reimbursement:

We believe regular exercise helps improve overall health and job performance. PBI-Gordon will reimburse up to a maximum of $300 annually for gym/fitness memberships.

Children or grandchildren of employee-owners may apply for a scholarship under the William Everett & Mary Ellen Mealman scholarship fund. Applicants are awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, and involvement in extracurricular/community activities.

Tuition Reimbursement:

After one full year of employment, employee-owners are eligible for tuition reimbursement for bachelor’s level coursework related to their current job or any future job offered at PBI-Gordon Companies.

Company paid parental leave is offered to employee-owners following the birth of a child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption, foster care, or surrogacy. This policy will run concurrently with Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, as applicable.

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