A well-established produce distributor is searching for a Food Safety/QA Manager to join their team. The Food Safety, Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QA/QC) Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing food safety, quality assurance, and quality control policies and procedures in a produce processing and cooling facility. This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, food safety standards, and customer expectations while maintaining high-quality product standards. The Manager works closely with operations, production, and procurement to ensure all food safety and quality requirements are met and maintained.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance: 

• Design and implement food safety programs that comply with globally recognized standards such as FSMA, HACCP, GMPs, and GAPs.
• Oversee compliance with FDA, USDA, and third-party audit requirements.
• Ensure adherence to company food defense programs and allergen control protocols.
• Maintain and update all food safety documentation and ensure accuracy in record-keeping. 

Quality Assurance (QA) 

• Develop, implement, and lead internal and external audit processes.
• Monitor supplier quality assurance, ensuring raw materials meet specifications and reviewing Certificates of Insurance (COIs).
• Conduct risk assessments for packaging, ingredients, utilities, and processes.
• Work closely with purchasing and suppliers to manage and improve quality assurance programs.
• Oversee training programs to ensure employees are following quality and food safety best practices. 

Quality Control (QC)

• Supervise quality control inspections to ensure products meet company and customer quality standards.
• Develop and maintain QC testing protocols for raw and finished products, including microbial and sensory evaluations.
• Implement procedures for corrective actions when quality deviations are identified.
• Work with production teams to address and resolve quality issues in real-time.
• Manage product hold and release procedures, including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation. 

Skills and Qualifications: 

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in food safety, QA,
• and QC in the fresh produce industry.
• Experience working with asparagus, herbs, and other fresh produce preferred.
• Strong knowledge of FDA, USDA, HACCP, GMPs, GAPs, and FSMA regulations.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Exceptional attention to detail, follow-up, and organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems such as Famous is a plus.
• Strong leadership and training experience.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Experience conducting audits and working with third-party auditors.

Compensation: DOE, Medical, Dental, Vision and 401K

 Please contact Jennifer Mazza, jennifer@producecareers.com