Job Description

Join a well-established company with a strong legacy in food production. As the organization expands into new product lines, this role provides a unique opportunity to strategically lead the Quality and Food Safety team, ensuring the company achieves its operational and compliance goals. The leadership is committed to fostering a supportive, employee-focused environment.

The Quality Assurance and Food Safety Manager is responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of sanitation, pest control, food safety, and quality assurance programs. These programs must comply with all current federal, state, and local regulations, as well as guidelines established by the Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification. This role integrates cross-departmental collaboration to achieve company objectives, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Position: Food Safety Manager
Compensation: $70K-$80K
Location: Joplin, MO

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee plant Quality Assurance and Food Safety Programs to meet or exceed company, FDA, state regulatory, and SQF standards.

• Conduct annual audits of food safety and quality programs to ensure compliance.

• Develop and manage the master sanitation program.

• Lead training initiatives for employees on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and food safety practices.

• Assist in the review, development, and implementation of new SOPs.

• Supervise and lead the plant food safety team, including Food Safety Technicians and Quality Assurance Technicians.

• Create and update standard cleaning protocols and departmental operating procedures.

• Lead internal audit teams and develop corrective action plans for any non-compliance findings.

• Manage the positive release program to ensure product safety.

• Oversee the purchase and maintenance of cleaning equipment and supplies.

• Ensure all plant equipment is clean and safe for production.

• Manage the pest control program, utilizing a third-party pest control provider, and ensure corrective actions are implemented for deficiencies.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) preferred.

• HACCP and/or PCQI certification required.

• SQF Practitioner certification preferred.

• Minimum of three years of experience managing direct reports.

• Three to five years of direct experience in quality and food safety.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with high attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and experience with ERP systems.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively manage and develop a team.

• Availability to work overtime as needed.

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