Senior FSQA Manager (Protein)

Position Summary

The Senior FSQA Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership and execution of all Food Safety and Quality Assurance programs for USDA/FSIS-regulated meat processing operations in the United States. This role ensures full compliance with federal regulations, customer requirements, and internal standards while driving continuous improvement and a strong food safety culture across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

USDA/FSIS Compliance & Food Safety

• Lead and maintain all HACCP systems, including hazard analysis, validation, verification, and reassessment

• Serve as the primary FSQA liaison with USDA/FSIS inspection personnel

• Manage responses to Noncompliance Records (NRs), enforcement actions, and regulatory inquiries

• Ensure compliance with 9 CFR, including SSOPs, GMPs, Sanitation Performance Standards, and labeling requirements

• Oversee pathogen control programs (Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, non-O157 STECs, Listeria monocytogenes)

Quality Systems & Audit Management

• Develop, implement, and sustain robust Quality Management Systems (QMS)

• Lead and prepare facilities for GFSI audits (SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000) and customer audits

• Ensure product specifications, labels, and formulations comply with USDA labeling and customer requirements

• Analyze internal, customer, and regulatory data to identify trends and drive corrective actions

Leadership & Food Safety Culture

• Lead, coach, and develop FSQA teams across shifts and, where applicable, multiple facilities

• Establish performance metrics and accountability for FSQA staff

• Champion a proactive food safety and quality culture at all organizational levels

• Provide technical guidance during operational decisions and deviations

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with Operations, Sanitation, Maintenance, and Engineering to ensure compliant, efficient processes

• Support new product introductions, process changes, and capital projects from an FSQA perspective

• Collaborate with Procurement and Supply Chain on supplier approval, raw material risk assessment, and verification programs

Risk, Recall & Crisis Management

• Lead product hold, recall, and withdrawal activities in accordance with USDA requirements

• Manage customer complaints, investigations, and formal responses

• Conduct and document root cause analyses and preventive action plans

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Microbiology, Meat Science, or a related field

• Master's degree preferred

Experience

• 8-12+ years of progressive FSQA experience in USDA-inspected meat processing facilities

• 3-5+ years in a senior FSQA leadership role

• Demonstrated experience managing USDA/FSIS audits, NRs, and enforcement actions

• Experience leading GFSI certification and customer audits

Technical Expertise

• Expert knowledge of HACCP, SSOPs, sanitation, and microbiological food safety

• In-depth understanding of USDA/FSIS regulations (9 CFR) and labeling requirements

• Strong experience with environmental monitoring, shelf-life programs, and pathogen interventions

• Proficiency in root cause analysis, CAPA, and data-driven decision-making

Certifications (Preferred)

• HACCP Certified (Meat & Poultry)

• SQF Practitioner or Lead Auditor

• PCQI (where applicable for further processing)

• ASQ, Preventive Controls, or equivalent food safety certifications