Hybrid Food Safety Quality Assurance Manager presso Careers at Fresca

Description

FSQA Manager
Caldwell, Idaho

We are looking for a natural leader who enjoys empowering others and has experience successfully managing both supervisors and teams.

Reports to: Chief Product Officer
Direct reports: 4–5
Indirect reports: 25+

Company Overview

Fresca Mexican Foods is a premier manufacturer of tortillas, wraps, and chips located in Caldwell, Idaho. With over 45 years of experience, we are committed to delivering the highest quality products using the finest ingredients and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. As an SQF-certified company, we prioritize food safety and quality in everything we do. Our world-class facility and dedicated team serve customers worldwide, and we continue to grow and innovate within the industry.

Position Summary

The Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager is an experienced and highly motivated leader responsible for overseeing and enhancing all food safety and quality assurance processes within our production facility. This role ensures the highest standards of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, while leading the development, implementation, and monitoring of FSQA programs. The FSQA Manager ensures compliance with FDA, USDA, and customer requirements, as well as SQF and other industry certifications.

Key Responsibilities

Food Safety & Quality Management

• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of food safety programs (HACCP, GMPs, allergen controls, etc.) and quality assurance systems.
   
• Ensure food safety and quality protocols are clearly communicated and followed across all levels of the organization.
   

Regulatory Compliance & Audits

• Maintain compliance with FDA, USDA, SQF, and other applicable regulations.
   
• Partner with the SQF Practitioner to prepare for, manage, and continuously improve internal and external audits.
   

Product Quality Control

• Oversee rigorous quality control of raw materials, in-process ingredients, and finished products.
   
• Conduct inspections and testing to maintain consistency, safety, and quality.
   

Team Leadership & Training

• Manage and mentor FSQA staff, providing leadership, training, and guidance on standards and best practices.
   
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and food safety awareness.
   

Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Actions

• Investigate deviations, complaints, and non-conformances.
   
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions.
   

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Review data from quality checks and audits to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
   
• Present FSQA performance and initiatives to senior leadership.
   

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, R&D, Maintenance, and other departments to integrate food safety and quality throughout all operations.
   
• Build strong partnerships across teams to support a unified approach.
   

Customer & Vendor Relations

• Address customer quality concerns promptly and effectively.
   
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure raw material quality, including supplier audits as needed.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Engineering, or a related STEM field.
   
• Equivalent experience (4+ years) will be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
   

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in food safety and quality assurance.
   
• At least 2 years in a management or leadership role within a food manufacturing environment, preferably tortilla or similar food production.
   
• Proven ability to manage teams and lead other managers effectively.
   

Knowledge & Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety regulations (FDA, USDA, SQF, HACCP, GMPs).
   
• Demonstrated success managing food safety programs and leading quality assurance teams.
   
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
   
• Excellent leadership and team-building abilities.
   
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
   
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience using Quality Management Software (QMS).
   
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities and projects.
   

Preferred Qualifications

• SQF Practitioner Certification or equivalent food safety certification.
   
• Experience in tortilla or bakery product manufacturing.
   
• Certification or hands-on experience in Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
   
• Familiarity with allergen management and food labeling regulations.
   

Additional Information

This position requires a proactive, hands-on leader who can champion food safety and quality assurance throughout the organization. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of implementing robust FSQA programs and driving continuous improvement.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional growth and development.