Reference: PR/597926_1786379303 Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager (FSQA Manager)
Location: Fresno, CAAbout the Role
A leading food manufacturer is seeking a Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager to oversee FSQA operations at a high-volume, USDA-regulated processing facility. This role partners directly with site leadership and corporate stakeholders to ensure full compliance with regulatory, customer, and internal standards while driving a strong food safety culture. This is a key leadership position with full authority over product disposition decisions and responsibility for managing QA teams, regulatory relationships, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:- Serve as the site FSQA leader, overseeing HACCP, SSOPs, and all food safety program implementation, validation, and compliance
- Manage USDA/FSIS/AMS regulatory relationships, including audits, non-compliance response, and ongoing communication
- Hold final authority on product disposition, including release or retention based on food safety, quality, and regulatory criteria
- Oversee core FSQA programs including GMPs, environmental monitoring, allergen control, pest control, and finished product specifications
- Lead root cause investigations for pathogen findings, quality issues, and customer complaints, driving corrective and preventive actions
- Develop and lead FSQA team and cross-functional training programs, fostering a strong food safety culture across the facility
- Analyze FSQA data and KPIs to drive continuous improvement initiatives, partnering with Operations, R&D, and Corporate leadership
Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field (or equivalent experience)5+ years of FSQA experience in a food manufacturing environment
- Proven experience in USDA/FSIS-regulated facilities
- Prior leadership experience managing both salaried and hourly QA teams
- Strong background in HACCP, GFSI standards, and regulatory compliance programs
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive process improvements
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred)
- Advanced degree is a plus
