Product Quality Assurance Manager
Location: Sterling, VA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Arrangement: On-site
Industry: Food Manufacturing
About the Organization
Our client is a leading food manufacturing organization committed to delivering high-quality, innovative, and reliable food products to customers across diverse markets. With a strong focus on food safety, quality excellence, and continuous improvement, the company operates in a highly regulated manufacturing environment and emphasizes collaboration across research and development, operations, and quality teams.
The organization values technical expertise, operational excellence, and innovation while maintaining the highest standards in food safety and product quality. Employees have the opportunity to contribute to product development initiatives, process improvements, and commercialization efforts within a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Product Quality Assurance Manager to join the Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) team. This role will support product quality initiatives, collaborate closely with Research & Development (R&D), and partner with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product development, commercialization, and manufacturing execution.
The ideal candidate will have strong food manufacturing experience, knowledge of food safety systems, and the ability to manage quality projects while maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Assurance & Food Safety
- Support FSQA programs and ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain strong knowledge of GFSI certification standards, including SQF, BRC, and ISO 22000.
- Support quality initiatives within a food manufacturing environment.
- Identify quality risks, investigate issues, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Product Development & Commercialization
- Collaborate with R&D teams to support product development and commercialization processes.
- Participate in product trials, validations, and manufacturing evaluations.
- Provide quality input throughout product lifecycle activities.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality and manufacturing processes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with R&D, operations, production, and other internal teams to drive quality objectives.
- Lead and support quality-related projects while maintaining effective communication across departments.
- Provide technical guidance and problem-solving support for quality challenges.
Documentation & Compliance
- Review and maintain quality documentation, procedures, and records.
- Support audits, certifications, and compliance activities.
- Ensure products meet customer, regulatory, and internal quality standards.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related technical field with 4–6 years of food manufacturing experience, or
- Graduate degree with 2–4 years of relevant industry experience.
- Minimum 2 years of FSQA and cross-functional leadership experience.
- Strong experience working in a food manufacturing environment is required.
- Working knowledge of GFSI certification standards such as SQF, BRC, and ISO 22000.
- Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting product development and commercialization activities.
- Experience working in USDA-regulated food manufacturing environments.
- Experience with sous vide food manufacturing processes.
- Strong technical knowledge of food safety and quality systems.
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