Job Description

Position Overview:
Our client, a growing food processing company in the Richmond area, is seeking a Facility QA Manager to oversee quality assurance and food safety operations at a new processing facility. This facility specializes in warehousing, pasteurizing, roasting, and distributing imported food goods, specifically nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.

The Facility QA Manager will ensure compliance with food safety regulations, quality assurance procedures, and sanitation practices to maintain the highest standards of food safety and quality. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional with a passion for food safety and quality, as well as a commitment to fostering a safe and productive workplace.

Reporting directly to the Plant Manager and indirectly to the Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance, this role requires strong collaboration across key departments.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and manage the Food Safety Management System (FSMS), including hazard analysis, SOPs, PRPs, CCPs, GMPs, PMP, EMP, chemical control, labeling, and product specifications.

• Support company objectives related to cost, productivity, customer service, and team performance.

• Assist in the creation and management of key programs such as Organic System Plan, Kosher Program, Environmental, Worker Safety, Fair Trade, and ROC.

• Provide technical training and coaching to employees to ensure a thorough understanding of facility expectations.

• Serve as the primary liaison with external food safety inspectors and auditors, ensuring all necessary documentation is prepared and available for inspections and audits (GFSI, Organic, Federal & Local Government, etc.).

• Develop and manage corrective action and customer complaint programs.

• Collaborate with facility teams to conduct root cause analyses and resolve daily personnel and processing issues.

• Continuously review and enhance food safety and quality processes to comply with all relevant regulations.

• Stay informed on evolving food safety legislation and regulations.

• Manage nonconforming product processes, QA holds, and corrective action initiatives to mitigate product and company risk.

• Analyze costs and identify opportunities for expense reduction.

• Organize and promote training activities related to food safety and quality assurance.

• Provide additional facility support as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Safety, or related field with 3 years of experience in a QA role within the food & beverage manufacturing industry; or a minimum of 5 years of experience in a QA leadership role in the food & beverage manufacturing industry.

• Strong knowledge of GFSI, FDA, USDA, local and state health regulations, and audit procedures.

• Experience with preventive controls and kill steps for risk mitigation.

• Familiarity with USDA NOP regulations and product handling.

• PCQI and HACCP certifications required.

• Proficiency in Management Systems software and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

• Problem-solving skills and ability to think critically.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle objects, tools, or controls, and communicate effectively.

• Occasionally required to sit, squat, stoop, kneel, or climb ladders.

• Frequently lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds.

• Must be able to withstand cold storage temperatures for extended periods (warm gear provided).

• Noise levels may vary, with some areas requiring hearing protection (provided as needed).