Food Safety Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The FSQA Manager is responsible for managing the Company’s food safety and quality program according to policies and procedures and federal/state requirements. Through their leadership, support, and collaboration, they implement policies, strategies, and methodological testing to ensure that food quality standards, food safety requirements, and customer services expectations are met at our locations in Hixton, WI and Albany, IN.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, EHS or related program, Required

• Experience: 5 years of experience in food safety and quality

• Licenses or Certifications:

  • Seafood HACCP Certification, preferred

  • PCQI Certification, preferred

  • OSHA 30

  • Driver’s License

POSITION DETAILS

• Status: Full-Time

• Schedule Expectations:

  • Primary hours to be first shift, modified as needed to support operations.

  • May include some evenings, weekends.

  • Flexible and willing to work extended hours, when necessary.

  • Travel up to 30%.

• Benefits:

  • 401(k)

  • Dental insurance

  • Employee assistance program

  • Employee discount

  • Health insurance

  • Health savings account

  • Life insurance

  • Paid time off

  • Relocation assistance

  • Vision insurance

• Location: Albany, IN

Job Functions

1. Ensure full adherence to all applicable regulatory and certification standards (FDA, SQF, HACCP, GFSI), including maintaining current certifications and preparing for new or updated requirements.

2. Oversee quality control activities such as product and process inspections, monthly internal audits, product testing, environmental monitoring (e.g., ATP, bacteriology), and verification of lab and production equipment compliance.

3. Conduct investigations into quality deviations, customer complaints, safety incidents, and non-conformances; perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.

4. Develop and deliver employee training on food safety, quality standards, documentation practices, workplace safety, and OSHA requirements; maintain all related manuals, SOPs, and records.

5. Ensure accurate and timely food safety data and metrics are created, maintained and communicated to necessary internal parties.

6. Support and enforce workplace safety programs by conducting safety inspections, hazard assessments, risk analyses, and safety audits; ensure compliance for employees, contractors, and visitors.

7. Manage PPE programs and related vendor relationships, as well as incoming material quality and compliance.

8. Maintain accurate FSQA and safety documentation to ensure audit readiness and effective communication with leadership regarding compliance status, risks, and improvement opportunities.

9. Coordinate inspection schedules with internal teams, vendors, and suppliers; maintain strong working relationships to ensure products meet required specifications.

10. Demonstrate the Company’s Core and Growth Values in the performance of all job functions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Food microbiology, food safety, and food defense.

• Product traceability.

• Knowledge of GMPs.

• Technical writing and documentation - SOP development, instructions, etc.

• Experience working in a lab setting and understanding of lab related technical and regulatory/compliance.

• Encourage the building of mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

• Delegate tasks effectively to proper individuals to ensure workload balance and proper job completion.

• Plan and coordinate projects within confines of production, budgets, and deadlines.

• Effective time management and organizational skills.

• Effective intra-team and cross-team communication skills.

• Work independently as well as in a team environment.

• Analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Maintain utmost confidentiality and discretion in communication with both internal and external parties.

• Handle multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously within established time constraints and budgets.

• Perform under strong demands in a fast-paced environment.

• Respond professionally in situations with difficult employee/vendor/customer issues or inquiries.

• Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Email, and Internet.