Job Description
Gpac is currently working with a food manufacturer in southern Minnesota who is seeking an experienced Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager . This is a unique opportunity to lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive food safety and quality management system for a wide range of meat products, including Ready-to-Eat (RTE) smoked meats, as well as raw and cooked meat products. The successful candidate will be responsible for building a food safety and quality assurance program from the ground up, ensuring that all products meet or exceed the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
Qualifications:
· Bachelor's degree in food science, Food Safety, Quality Assurance, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
· 5+ years of experience in food safety and quality management, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership role within the meat processing or food manufacturing industry. Experience with Ready-to-Eat (RTE) products is highly preferred.
· In-depth knowledge of USDA regulations, FSMA, HACCP, GMPs, and other food safety standards applicable to both RTE and non-RTE meat products.
· Proven experience in developing and implementing food safety programs for a variety of product categories, including smoked meat, raw meats, cooked meats, and processed products.
· Strong leadership skills with experience in managing teams and leading training programs across different levels of the organization.
· Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
· Ability to collaborate across departments, including production, maintenance, engineering, and management, to achieve food safety and quality goals.
Responsibilities:
System Development & Implementation for All Product Types: Design, develop, and implement a comprehensive food safety and quality management system for a wide range of meat products, including Ready-to-Eat (RTE) smoked meats, cooked products, and raw meat products. Establish policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure consistent product safety and quality across all product lines.
Food Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with all applicable food safety regulations, including USDA, FDA, FSMA, HACCP, and other relevant standards. Lead the creation of specific HACCP plans for both RTE and other products (e.g., raw, cooked, or processed meats), focusing on the unique food safety risks associated with each product category.
Quality Assurance for All Products: Develop and implement quality control systems for smoked meats, cooked products, and raw products, ensuring consistency and integrity at every stage of production-from receiving raw materials through to finished products. Implement monitoring systems for both microbiological safety and product quality tailored to each product category, with particular attention to the risks posed by RTE and cooked meat products.
Team Leadership & Training: Build and manage a food safety and quality assurance team. Develop and lead training programs for all plant employees, ensuring that they understand and adhere to food safety protocols and quality control measures for both RTE and non-RTE products. Promote a culture of safety, quality, and compliance within the facility.
Auditing, Inspections & Regulatory Compliance: Establish and maintain an audit program to ensure ongoing compliance with all food safety and quality standards. Oversee internal inspections and lead external audits, ensuring the plant is always prepared for USDA, FDA, and third-party inspections. Address any non-conformities and implement corrective actions as needed.
Risk Management & Incident Response: Identify food safety risks for all product categories, including pathogen risks associated with RTE products (e.g., Listeria), contamination risks in raw or cooked products, and packaging-related risks. Develop preventive measures and create incident management protocols to respond to potential food safety issues, including product recalls or contamination events.
Documentation & Reporting: Maintain and ensure the accuracy of all food safety and quality documentation, including HACCP plans, quality control records, training logs, and audit reports. Ensure timely reporting to regulatory agencies and internal stakeholders.
Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization: Lead continuous improvement initiatives for food safety and product quality across all product lines. Work closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to streamline processes, reduce waste, enhance product consistency, and improve safety standards.
Supplier Quality Management: Develop supplier qualifications and monitoring programs to ensure that incoming raw materials and ingredients meet the safety and quality standards for all product categories. Work with suppliers to address quality issues and ensure materials are suitable for the specific needs of RTE and non-RTE products.
Product Traceability & Recall Management: Establish and manage robust traceability systems to ensure full traceability of raw materials, ingredients, and finished products. Ensure the ability to quickly trace and manage product recalls across all product lines, with specific attention to the requirements for RTE product recalls.
If you a looking for a unique opportunity where you will play a critical role in building the food safety and quality systems for a brand-new new state-of-the-art facility, APPLY TODAY! You can also apply directly by emailing your confidential resume to Lauren at
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
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