QA Manager - Dairy

QA Manager

Are you a quality leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment? In this role, you'll oversee all quality and food safety programs to ensure products meet regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and the highest industry standards. You'll lead a team, drive continuous improvement, and play a critical role in maintaining operational excellence across the dairy plant.

What You'll Do

You will:

• Lead the Quality Assurance and Quality Control teams to ensure all processes meet food safety, regulatory, and customer requirements.

• Oversee implementation, verification, and continuous improvement of food safety programs including HACCPHACCP, GMPsGMPs, SQFSQF, and environmental monitoring.

• Manage product testing, sensory evaluation, and laboratory operations to ensure accurate, on-time results.

• Ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, state regulations, and industry standards specific to dairy manufacturing.

• Investigate non-conformancesconformances, customer complaints, and deviations; drive root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPACAPA).

• Maintain all quality documentation, records, audits, certifications, and regulatory filings.

• Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, sanitation, and R&D to maintain product consistency and improve processes.

• Lead internal audits and prepare for customer audits, third-party audits, and regulatory inspections.

• Train and coach team members on food safety, quality systems, SOPsSOPs, and best practices.

• Champion a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across the plant.

What You'll Need

• Strong proficiency in reading, writing, and communicating in English.

• 3-53-5 years of experience in quality assurance or food safety, preferably in dairy or food manufacturing.

• Experience with HACCPHACCP, GMPsGMPs, SQFSQF, and regulatory compliance.

• Solid understanding of microbiology, laboratory testing, and food safety systems.

• Ability to lead, train, and motivate teams.

• Skilled in data analysis, documentation, and using quality software tools.

• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What Will Put You Ahead

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Dairy Science, Chemistry, or a related field.

• Experience in dairy manufacturing (cheese, whey, powder, fluid milk, etc.).

• Previous leadership or supervisory experience.

• Experience with SQFSQF Level II or III certification management.

• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPCSPC), continuous improvement, or Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.

• Experience with customer audits and major retail/commercial customer quality programs.