Quality Assurance and Sanitation Operations Lead

About This Role

Lead and elevate food safety and quality assurance systems for baked goods, ensuring compliance with FDA, DATCP regulations, and SQF certification. This role involves mentoring staff and driving continuous improvement in product safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Own programs to keep products safe, compliant, and reliable
• Lead SQF certification efforts
• Meet FDA and DATCP requirements
• Ensure alignment with customer and certification expectations (USDA Organic, OU Kosher, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Rainforest Alliance)
• Manage a living Food Safety Plan (HACCP/Preventive Controls)
• Oversee predictive control of allergens, environmental monitoring (EMP), sanitation verification, and positive release process
• Ensure flawless readiness for internal/external audits and inspections
• Lead closed-loop CAPA and root-cause problem solving with Operations, Maintenance, R&D, and Supply Chain
• Conduct engaged training on GMPs, allergens, and food defense
• Review transparent metrics (complaints, audit results, swab trends) with senior leadership

Requirements

• 8+ years in FSQA
• 5+ years leading people in manufacturing environments
• Proven audit management and response capability
• Deep knowledge of SQF/GFSI, FDA 21 CFR, allergen controls, and EMP best practices
• Data-savvy, decisive, and an effective communicator/trainer
• Visible, hands-on leadership and flexibility to support off-shift training, investigations, and audits

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field; or equivalent experience
• 8+ years in FSQA with 5+ years leading people in manufacturing environments

Skills

* Required skills

Certifications