FSQA Manager (Meat)

Position Overview

The FSQA Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing all food safety and quality systems within the meat processing facility to ensure full compliance with USDA, FDA, and customer requirements. This role provides leadership to the FSQA team, ensuring that all products consistently meet regulatory, company, and customer standards for safety, quality, and integrity. The FSQA Manager serves as the plant's primary liaison for regulatory agencies, auditors, and key customers, while fostering a strong culture of food safety and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee compliance with all federal, state, and local food safety regulations, including USDA-FSIS, HACCP, SSOPs, GMPs, and Food Defense programs.

• Maintain, verify, and continuously improve the facility's HACCP plans and preventive control systems.

• Ensure all pre-operational and operational inspections are completed accurately and in a timely manner.

• Act as the primary contact during USDA inspections, regulatory audits, and third-party assessments.

• Lead root cause analyses and corrective actions in response to non-compliances or regulatory findings.

Quality Assurance & Product Integrity

• Manage daily QA operations including line checks, finished product testing, microbiological monitoring, and environmental swabbing.

• Verify that all incoming raw materials and finished goods meet company and customer specifications.

• Lead investigations of customer complaints and implement effective corrective/preventive actions.

• Oversee product labeling and verification to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.

• Maintain and audit the plant's document control and recordkeeping systems.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop FSQA Supervisors, Technicians, and Sanitation teams to achieve operational excellence.

• Promote a proactive food safety culture throughout the plant, ensuring all employees understand and uphold food safety responsibilities.

• Provide training on HACCP, GMPs, sanitation, allergen management, and other relevant programs.

• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Sanitation, and Supply Chain teams to resolve quality or food safety issues effectively.

Continuous Improvement & Customer Focus

• Analyze quality and food safety data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

• Drive continuous improvement projects focused on yield, waste reduction, and quality enhancement.

• Maintain strong customer relationships, supporting customer audits, visits, and specification management.

• Support corporate initiatives, sustainability goals, and company-wide food safety programs.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Audit results (USDA, third-party, and customer).

• Non-conformance and corrective action closure rates.

• Reduction in customer complaints and product holds.

• Environmental and product microbiological performance.

• Employee training completion and compliance scores.

Skills & Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Microbiology, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• 5+ years of experience in FSQA or Technical Management within the meat or poultry industry.

• Strong understanding of USDA-FSIS regulations, HACCP, SSOPs, GMPs, and pathogen control programs.

• Experience managing USDA and third-party audits (e.g., SQF, BRCGS, GFSI).

• Proven leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management software.

Preferred:

• HACCP Certified and PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual).

• SQF Practitioner or BRCGS certification experience.

• Experience in beef, pork, or poultry slaughter and further processing.

• Working knowledge of customer specification platforms and ERP systems.