Quality Assurance Manager

Position Summary

Full Circle Recruiting, LLC. is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Quality Assurance Manager to lead and continuously improve our quality management systems across beverage manufacturing operations. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this leader will be responsible for ensuring that all products consistently meet company standards, customer expectations, and regulatory requirements while fostering a culture of quality, food safety, and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate is an experienced quality professional with a strong engineering or technical background, proven leadership experience, and the ability to drive systematic improvements throughout the organization. Experience managing internal and external audits within a food and beverage manufacturing environment is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the facility's Quality Management System (QMS) and Food Safety programs.
• Ensure all raw materials, packaging components, in-process products, and finished goods meet established quality and food safety standards.
• Maintain and update quality manuals, SOPs, work instructions, HACCP documentation, preventive controls, and supporting records.
• Develop and monitor supplier quality programs, including vendor qualification, performance metrics, and corrective action processes.
• Partner with suppliers, customers, regulatory agencies, and internal departments to resolve quality concerns and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare for and lead internal audits, customer audits, third-party certifications, and regulatory inspections.
• Document audit findings, communicate results, and oversee corrective and preventive action (CAPA) plans through completion.
• Lead root cause investigations and facilitate cross-functional teams to implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Establish quality metrics, KPIs, and reporting systems to measure product performance and manufacturing effectiveness.
• Support new product launches, formulation changes, process improvements, and validation activities to ensure quality standards are maintained.
• Develop and deliver quality and food safety training programs for plant personnel.
• Promote a culture of food safety, quality ownership, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable FDA regulations, GMPs, HACCP requirements, SQF/BRC standards, and customer-specific quality requirements.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Quality Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of progressive quality leadership experience within food and beverage manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of Quality Management Systems, HACCP, GMPs, CAPA, statistical process control, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience leading internal, customer, and third-party audits required.
• Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, HACCP, PCQI, SQF Practitioner, or related certifications are highly desirable.

Required Skills

• Exceptional leadership and team development abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience using quality metrics and statistical analysis to improve manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and quality management software systems.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across operations, production, maintenance, and supply chain teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Team Development
• Quality & Food Safety Excellence
• Continuous Improvement
• Strategic Problem Solving
• Results Orientation
• Time Management
• Communication & Collaboration
• Process Optimization
• Accountability & Integrity
• Attention to Detail

Work Environment

• Manufacturing facility with regular exposure to production operations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Frequent walking throughout the plant and occasional lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
• Daily use of computers, quality systems, and production technology.
• Occasional travel may be required for supplier visits, training, or customer meetings.

Additional Information

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. Responsibilities may be modified or assigned as business needs evolve.