Supervisor, Food Safety & Quality Assurance- 2:00pm-10:30pm

Thistle; Vacaville (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Thistle is seeking a Supervisor, Food Safety & Quality Assurance to lead audits, oversee GMP/HACCP, and ensure regulatory compliance across QA programs. You will supervise FSQA and sanitation staff, partner with operations to maintain product safety and quality, and drive continuous improvements.

The role requires a BA/BS in a related field, 3+ years in food safety and at least 2 years in a supervisory capacity, plus strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• BA/BS Degree in Biology, Nutrition, Environmental Health, Microbiology, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Hire, train, evaluate, assign work, and supervise FSQA and Sanitation associates.
• Ensures the Quality Assurance department functions efficiently and accurately and complies with GMPs, HACCP guidelines, and food safety processes.
• Document, review, and approve all relevant food safety and quality documentation (manuals, procedures, SSOPs, HACCP, Pre‑requisite programs, etc.).
• Ensure Quality Management Systems and Food Safety programs comply with regulatory requirements and 3rd party standards (local, state, federal, GMP, SQF).
• Assist with Supplier and Co‑packer Approval, Verification, and Monitoring programs including new supplier qualification processes and onboarding.
• Oversee chemical approval program.
• Ensure allergen program, allergen declaration per recipe, and labeling requirements are met.
• Conduct internal audits to monitor food quality, processes, facilities, and quality systems.
• Conduct pre‑operational line inspections and residual swabs.
• Calibrate critical equipment- thermometers, pH meters, scales etc.
• Oversee the environmental testing program.

Job description

TITLE: Supervisor, Food Safety & Quality Assurance DEPARTMENT: Quality Assurance REPORTS TO: Manager, Food Safety & Quality Assurance

Who We Are

Thistle makes it easy to eat well – without overthinking it. Thistle was founded in 2013 with a mission to help people get and stay healthy while improving the sustainability of our food system. Thistle delivers fully prepared, healthy‑by‑default meals, snacks, desserts, and organic cold‑pressed juices. We believe the health of people starts with eating real, whole foods, in the right balance, without the friction. We’re building a future where nutritious, sustainable food is accessible, craveable, and part of everyday life.

About The Role

The Food Safety & Quality Assurance Supervisor oversees aspects of Quality Management Systems, food safety regulatory Compliance, 3rd Party Food Safety certifications, and Customer Safety & Satisfaction. The FSQA Supervisor is responsible for conducting audits in accordance with food safety and quality management systems. They will collaborate with teams to generate and implement key initiatives aimed at protecting and enhancing the quality of food products at Thistle. The FSQA Supervisor is responsible for overseeing standardized quality control checks to ensure they meet the required legal and company standards for food safety and quality. This role is required to maintain calibrations, monitor equipment, check product integrity, and identify areas for quality control improvement.

How You’ll Make a Difference

• Hire, train, evaluate, assign work, and supervise FSQA and Sanitation associates.
• Ensures the Quality Assurance department functions efficiently and accurately and complies with set company standards, including GMPs, HACCP guidelines, and food safety processes.
• Document, review, and approve all relevant food safety and quality documentation(manuals, procedures, SSOPs, HACCP, Pre‑requisite programs etc.)
• Ensure Quality Management Systems and Food Safety programs comply with the regulatory requirements and 3rd party food safety standards (local, state, federal, GMP, SQF)
• Assist with Supplier and Co‑packer Approval, Verification, and Monitoring programs including new supplier qualification processes and onboarding
• Oversee chemical approval program
• Ensure allergen program, allergen declaration per recipe, and labeling requirements are met
• Conduct internal audits to monitor food quality, processes, facilities, and quality systems.
• Conduct pre‑operational line inspections and residual swabs.
• Calibrate critical equipment- thermometers, pH meters, scales etc.
• Oversee the environmental testing program.

Qualifications

Who You Are

• BA/BS Degree in Biology, Nutrition, Environmental Health, Microbiology, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience and knowledge of food safety programs are required.
• At least 2+ years of supervisory experience in a food safety environment
• Strong communication (both written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Well‑developed organization and time management skills.
• Food Handlers Certification (state‑appropriate equivalent)

Our Culture

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential values at Thistle. We know we do our best and most impactful work when we feel we are represented and belong. We're proud to actively recruit and hire talented people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”), including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, citizenship, national origin, color, hairstyles, hair texture, religion or religious creed, age, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran or active military status, marital status, criminal record, genetics, retaliation, sexual harassment or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.