QA/QC Manager (SQF Certified)

Rockaway, United States

Position Description:

Basic Function:

The QA/QC Manager will lead the Quality Assurance and Food Safety program at Cibao Meat Products, ensuring the plant achieves and maintains SQF certification. This role will manage quality systems across departments, lead audits and training, and ensure regulatory compliance with USDA, HACCP, and GMP standards. The Manager will serve as the designated SQF Practitioner and guide the plant in developing a culture of food safety and continuous improvement.

Major Responsibilities:

Lead the Quality Assurance and Quality Control functions across all plant operations, ensuring compliance with USDA, HACCP, GMP, and company standards.
Serve as the sites designated SQF Practitioner, overseeing the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the SQF System.
Own and maintain the Food Safety and Quality Management System, including HACCP Plans, Preventive Controls, SOPs, and PRPs.
Manage internal audits, pre-assessments, and third-party audits, ensuring continuous readiness and timely resolution of non-conformances.
Develop and implement training programs for plant personnel on food safety, quality procedures, SQF compliance, and regulatory requirements.
Lead investigations of quality or food safety incidents, conduct root cause analyses, and drive Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs).
Oversee product testing, sampling, and traceability processes; ensure mock recalls are conducted and documented effectively.
Work cross-functionally with Sanitation, Operations, Maintenance, and R&D to ensure compliance and promote a food safety culture.
Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership on regulatory trends, continuous improvement opportunities, and certification milestones.
Supervise and develop QA/QC staff, fostering accountability, engagement, and professional growth.

Job Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in food science, Microbiology, or a related field (strongly preferred).
Minimum 25 years experience working in a USDA-regulated food manufacturing environment.
Certified SQF Practitioner (current certification required).
Proven experience in successfully preparing a facility for SQF certification or similar GFSI schemes (e.g., BRC, FSSC 22000).
Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, USDA regulations, and sanitation best practices.

Skills:

Excellent leadership and project management skills; ability to influence and educate cross-functional teams.
High attention to detail with a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Strong written and verbal communication skills (Spanish bilingual a plus).
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and digital compliance tools (e.g., SafetyChain, iAuditor, TraceGains, etc.).

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