QA Manager (Hanover, MD)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the QA team to ensure consistent execution of quality and food safety programs.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HACCP plans, GMPs, SSOPs, and other regulatory and customer-driven programs.
• Ensure compliance with USDA, SQF, and other applicable regulatory bodies.
• Oversee daily quality checks, product inspections, and process audits throughout production.
• Investigate and resolve quality issues, including non-conformances, customer complaints, and product recalls.
• Collaborate with production, sanitation, and maintenance teams to ensure quality standards are upheld.
• Maintain documentation and records required for audits and inspections.
• Provide support to the Corporate QA team as it relates to third party audits and documentation as needed.
• Prepare for and lead third-party audits, customer visits, and regulatory inspections.
• Train employees on food safety, quality procedures, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor and analyze quality metrics to identify trends and drive corrective actions.
• Support new product development and process improvements from a quality perspective.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Microbiology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing, preferably in poultry or meat processing.
• Strong knowledge of USDA regulations, HACCP, GMPs, and food safety systems.
• Experience with tray-packed retail products and retail customer specifications is highly desirable.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management systems.
• Bilingual skills (English and Spanish) are a plus.
• Candidate must successfully pass post-offer/pre-employment drug and background screen.