Quality Assurance Manager - Gold Creek Foods : Job Details

Job Title: QA Manager

Location: GC15 – Caryville, TN

Manager: QA Director

Job Summary:

The Fully Cooked Quality Assurance (QA) Manager is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the overall quality and safety of all fully cooked poultry products produced by the company. This includes managing quality assurance operations, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, and leading a team of QA professionals to maintain product quality standards. The QA Manager will work closely with production, R&D, and other departments to ensure the continuous improvement of product quality, operational efficiency, and compliance with industry standards. The role requires strategic leadership, in-depth knowledge of food safety, and strong problem-solving skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations Management:

· Lead, manage, and mentor the quality assurance team to ensure high performance and alignment with company goals and food safety standards.

· Supervise QA supervisors and technicians to ensure day-to-day QA activities are conducted effectively.

· Oversee the full quality assurance process for fully cooked poultry products, ensuring compliance with internal specifications, food safety standards, and regulatory guidelines.

· Ensure adherence to allergen control policies and the safe handling of raw materials, in-process goods, and finished products.

· Prepare and present detailed quality assurance reports to senior management, including KPIs, audit results, and trends in product quality.

· Work closely with production, and supply chain teams to ensure that product specifications, quality standards, and food safety protocols are met at every stage of the production process.

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Quality & Food Safety Compliance:

• Ensure all plant operations comply with relevant food safety and regulatory standards, including HACCP, GMP, and more.
• Monitor product quality and partner regularly with inspectors to guarantee that fully cooked poultry products meet company specifications and customer expectations.
• Monitor cooking and cooling processes to ensure the poultry products are cooked to the correct internal temperatures and meet microbiological safety standards.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant certifications in quality management (e.g., HACCP, SQF, ISO 22000) is a plus.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in quality assurance or food safety, with at least 2-3 years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role, preferably in the poultry or food manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations (HACCP, USDA, FDA, etc.), and experience in implementing quality control systems in a food manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience with fully cooked poultry products is highly preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

· Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage a team effectively and foster a culture of quality and safety.

· In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, including HACCP, FSMA, USDA/FDA guidelines, and GMP.

· Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact with employees at all levels.

• Knowledge of plant maintenance, food safety protocols, and regulatory compliance standards.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-oriented environment.
• Occasional lifting and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to work in a refrigerated or cold environment, as required in poultry processing facilities.

Work Environment:

This position is based in a fully operational poultry processing plant, with typical conditions including exposure to temperature-controlled environments, operational noise, and potential allergens. The Manager will work both in an office setting for administrative tasks and on the production floor for operational oversight.

*Other responsibilities and tasks may be added or removed based on the evolving needs of the role.