Sr. Quality Manager

JBN & Associates, LLC; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

JBN & Associates, LLC is seeking a Senior Quality Manager to lead quality initiatives across berry operations, from harvest to post-harvest. This role requires building credibility with growers and cross-functional leadership to maintain world-class quality standards.

You will develop quality standards, manage inspection protocols, analyze metrics, and drive continuous improvement while supporting sustainability and regulatory compliance across multiple growing regions in California and beyond.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive quality leadership experience within fresh produce or the food industry.
• Extensive knowledge of berry production, handling, and post-harvest practices.
• Proven experience leading quality teams and collaborating across operations, production, sales, and grower organizations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience using KPIs and quality management systems.
• Willingness to travel extensively to support multiple growing regions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Quality Control team, including inspectors across company facilities and third-party partners.
• Build strong relationships with growers, vendors, production, sales, and operations to proactively resolve quality concerns.
• Develop and maintain quality standards, specifications, inspection protocols, and reporting systems across all berry categories.
• Analyze quality metrics, implement KPIs, conduct root cause analysis, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee quality inspections, shelf‑life evaluations, corrective actions, audits, training programs, and regulatory compliance while advancing sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Quality leadership

Berry production knowledge

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical problem-solving

KPI usage

Job description

Our client is one of the nation's premier grower-shippers of fresh berries, delivering premium strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries to customers worldwide. Built on a culture of quality, innovation, and strong grower partnerships, the company is committed to continuous improvement throughout every stage of the supply chain—from the field to the customer.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Quality Manager to lead quality initiatives across berry operations. This highly visible leadership role is responsible for developing quality standards, leading quality teams, partnering directly with growers and cross‑functional leadership, and driving continuous improvement throughout the harvest, packing, and post‑harvest process. The ideal candidate will bring deep fresh berry expertise, strong leadership skills, and the ability to build credibility with growers while maintaining world‑class quality standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and develop the Quality Control team, including inspectors across company facilities and third-party partners.
• Build strong relationships with growers, vendors, production, sales, and operations to proactively resolve quality concerns.
• Develop and maintain quality standards, specifications, inspection protocols, and reporting systems across all berry categories.
• Analyze quality metrics, implement KPIs, conduct root cause analysis, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee quality inspections, shelf‑life evaluations, corrective actions, audits, training programs, and regulatory compliance while advancing sustainability initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of progressive quality leadership experience within fresh produce or the food industry.
• Extensive knowledge of berry production, handling, and post‑harvest practices.
• Proven experience leading quality teams and collaborating across operations, production, sales, and grower organizations.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with experience using KPIs and quality management systems.
• Willingness to travel extensively to support multiple growing regions.