Quality Assurance Manager

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading the Quality team and coordinating with Operations to develop, implement, and maintain the Food Safety and Quality Programs at the manufacturing facility. This role ensures that quality systems are functioning effectively, audits and corrective actions are completed, and employees are trained to consistently produce safe, high-quality products.

The QA Manager is responsible for ensuring day-to-day compliance with company, state, and federal regulations, while also driving continuous improvement. Acting as the bridge between the QA Director and QA Coordinators, the Manager translates company strategy into plant-level execution and team leadership.

You will enjoy a competitive salary, depending on your experience, as well as:

• A fantastic company culture
• Our bonus programs.
• A shared healthcare program for you and your family.
• Company-paid short-term disability insurance.
• A 401K with a company match.
• Paid Time Off and MORE!

KEY PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

1. Maintain food safety programs (HACCP, SQF, GMPs, PCQI-driven plans).
2. Ensure compliance with FDA, State, and Ohio Department of Agriculture regulations.
3. Prepare for and participate in regulatory and customer audits; always ensure audit readiness.

2. Audits, Corrective Actions & Continuous Improvement

1. Follow up with internal and external audit schedules, reports, and corrective action plans.
2. Follow up with root cause analysis and preventive action implementation.
3. Monitor trends from QA data, recommend improvements to processes and systems to Quality Director.
4. Partner with Operations to resolve recurring issues and implement sustainable solutions.

3. Supplier & Ingredient Quality

1. Review and approve Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and ensure compliance with specifications.
2. Follow up with QA director and/or Purchasing Director when any Approved Supplier Program gaps are identified; (missing documentation, supplier and/or ingredient criteria is not met, etc.).

4. Training & Communication

1. Develop and maintain training programs, work instructions, and manuals.
2. Train employees and management in food safety and quality standards.
3. Maintain training records in the electronic Learning Management System.
4. Lead or co-facilitate QA/food safety meetings with production staff.
5. Communicate plant-level quality performance and issues to leadership.

5. Laboratory & Product Quality Oversight

1. Work with internal laboratory resources for chemistry, microbiology, and quality analyses.
2. Oversee product testing, hold-and-release programs, and verification/validation activities.
3. Ensure finished product meets company specifications and customer expectations.

6. Customer & Brand Protection

1. Monitor customer complaint feedback and provide responses to customer service and leadership.
2. Notify Quality Director of significant food safety or quality issues that are identified.
3. Ensure decisions protect both product quality and brand reputation.

7. Other Duties & Projects

1. Participate in cross-functional projects, including system upgrades and new product launches.
2. Cross-train in QA functions to ensure coverage within the department.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Leadership: Ability to build trust, inspire, and hold team accountable.
• Initiative & Follow-through: Proactively solves problems and ensures closure.
• Resiliency: Balances operational pressures with uncompromising food safety.
• Communication: Clear, effective communicator across levels and departments.
• Analytical Capability: Uses data to identify trends, risks, and improvements.
• Flexibility & Organization: Adapts to changing priorities while maintaining accuracy.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Consistently works to strengthen systems and processes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Experience: 5+ years of QA/Food Safety experience in food manufacturing; 3+ years supervisory experience.
• Certifications:
  • Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) – required
  • Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) – required
  • Food Defense Qualified Individual (FDQI) – preferred
  • SQF Practitioner – preferred
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP/QA systems (Plex, FoodReady, Genesis).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

• Frequent standing, bending, kneeling, and lifting up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to climb stairs.
• Manual dexterity and precision for lab and documentation tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Office and manufacturing plant setting.
• Exposure to freezers (-20°F to -40°F), refrigerators (35°F), and warehouse conditions (75°F–95°F).
• Work with chemicals such as solvents and cleaning supplies.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Join the Graeter’s family by applying today!