Quality & Food Safety Manager

Job Details

We are currently hiring a Quality & Food Safety Manager in Decatur, Arkansas for our client, a leading manufacturer in the pet food industry. This position offers a competitive annual salary of $120,000 and is a full-time opportunity located at the client’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

As the Quality & Food Safety Manager, you will be an integral part of the leadership team and play a critical role in ensuring that all food safety and quality standards are met and exceeded. This role reports directly to the Director of Quality and Food Safety and is responsible for overseeing and maintaining all site-level food safety and quality assurance systems. You will be accountable for FSMA compliance, GFSI certification maintenance, and execution of the plant’s quality management systems to ensure adherence to corporate standards and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements
• Maintain GFSI certification and oversee all related plant programs
• Lead and manage food safety and quality assurance processes aligned with business and corporate objectives
• Supervise FSMA compliance, food safety plans, audits, SOPs, and inspections
• Coordinate with FDA, GFSI Certification Bodies, customers, and consultants
• Manage and maintain the plant’s Master Sanitation Schedule
• Lead product evaluation programs and drive improvements based on consumer and customer feedback
• Train staff and maintain training records on food safety and quality topics
• Oversee monitoring, verification, and validation to ensure product compliance
• Lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes
• Manage pest control and microbiological testing programs
• Reassess food safety and quality plans as changes occur in processes or ingredients
• Develop and lead statistical tools and digitization of QA documentation
• Actively contribute to the Site Senior Management Team
• Develop succession plans for team members
• Support corporate supplier quality management initiatives
• Assist in product and process improvement efforts
• Facilitate Food Defense programs
• Promote and adhere to workplace safety and reporting procedures
• Maintain integrity of the GFSI system and resolve deficiencies promptly

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in food science, quality, or related field
• 5–10 years of experience in food processing, with 3+ years in a supervisory role
• Experience under USDA and/or FDA regulatory frameworks
• Background in GFSI program implementation and maintenance
• HACCP and/or PCQI certification preferred
• Strong leadership and organizational abilities
• Proven skills in statistical process control tools and data analysis
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence multiple departments
• Excellent problem-solving and CAPA execution capabilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Experience developing and mentoring staff at all levels
• Strategic thinker with the ability to handle multiple priorities
• Proactive mindset with a positive attitude toward fast-paced environments
• Strong relationship management and collaboration skills