Sr. Quality Assurance Manager

We are seeking an experienced Senior Quality Assurance Manager to lead the Quality and Food Safety programs at the Bakersfield manufacturing facility. This role is pivotal in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards including 21 CFR Part 113, 117, other Federal and State regulations, and internal quality systems. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in ESL (Extended Shelf Life) and aseptic operations, a strong quality manufacturing and regulatory background, and the leadership capabilities to drive a culture of quality across cross-functional teams.

This position works on-site at the facility on a standard Monday - Friday schedule. However, the role requires flexibility to work outside of these regular hours as necessary.

Quality Systems Leadership

• Demonstrates strong leadership in the development of all employees with regards to Quality/Food Safety and brand/product integrity and protection
• Manages all the quality employees in the plant related to production activities
• Develops, implements, and maintains site-specific quality programs for ESL and aseptic operations
• Acts as the QA/Food safety manager when QA director is not present
• Leads internal and external audits, ensuring readiness and robust CAPA execution
• Manages and continuously improves the site’s HACCP and Food Safety Plans
• Oversees the validation of processing systems, including cleaning validation and environmental monitoring 

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensures full compliance with 21 CFR Part 113, 117, and other applicable Federal and State regulations
• Serves as the site’s authority on regulatory inspections, documentation standards and 3^rd Party and Customer Audits
• Interprets regulatory requirements and translates them into actionable plant-level policies and procedures 

Team & Cross-functional Leadership

• Supervises QA team providing technical training and mentorship
• Proactively collaborate with Operations, R&D, Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure product quality from incoming raw materials to finished goods
• Serves as the lead liaison with customers on quality concerns, product holds, and audits 

Continuous Improvement & Risk Management

• Implements proactive quality improvement programs and statistical process controls (SPC)
• Leads root cause analysis and resolution of deviations, non-conformances, and consumer complaints. Provides timely feedback on emerging consumer trends and concerns with corrective action for continuous product and systems improvement. 
• Drives risk assessments related to microbiological control, shelf-life studies, and process deviations
• Communicates plant quality issues, provides suggested solutions to the plant leadership team
• Leads internal sensory evaluations of just produced finished product daily
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the plant management
• Leads root cause analysis investigations for quality issues in the plant with the production leadership team
• Executes all Special Projects as assigned by the Quality Director

• B.S. degree in Food Science, Engineering or Equivalent
• 7+ years of experience in food manufacturing, including at least 3-4 years in a supervisory role leading teams
• Experience with ESL and Aseptic processing
• Proven expertise in ensuring compliance with CRF 113, 114, and 117
• Proficient in developing, implementing, and maintaining GFSI certification programs
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills required
• Must be able to follow and communicate directions and lead by example
• Driven team player adaptable to a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Ability to speak, write, and read English is a must, Spanish a plus
• Ability to stand, kneel, bend over, climb stairs and ladders, and lift/move up to 50 pounds
• Proficient in Microsoft programs

The expected salary range for this position is between $130,000 - $145,000 per year based on a full-time schedule.  Location, confirmed job-related skills and experience will be considered in setting the actual salary.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.