FSQA Manager

gpac is partnered with a well-established and growing pet food manufacturer seeking a Corporate Food Safety & Quality Manager to support Food Safety & Quality initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities.

This is a corporate-level position with significant visibility and the opportunity to influence Food Safety & Quality programs across the organization. The role will focus on FSQ data analysis, supplier quality, regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, quality systems, and building a strong Food Safety & Quality culture throughout the manufacturing organization.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in food manufacturing within a cGMP environment, a strong understanding of FDA food regulations, and experience utilizing quality tools to identify problems, analyze trends, and drive measurable improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collect, analyze, and report Food Safety & Quality data from production and process improvement activities
• Develop control charts, dashboards, reports, and other visual tools to monitor FSQ performance
• Identify trends and opportunities for improvement across key FSQ metrics
• Manage and update product and supplier specification sheets
• Conduct supplier approvals and verification activities, including desk audits
• Perform and/or coordinate on-site supplier audits
• Apply Six Sigma methodologies to improve Food Safety & Quality metrics
• Develop initiatives to reduce Cost of Quality
• Utilize storyboards, diagrams, control charts, and other visual management tools
• Support consumer feedback programs and investigations
• Assist with state regulatory programs and compliance activities
• Partner with plant management and employees to strengthen Food Safety & Quality culture
• Support quality improvement initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities
• Utilize CAPA, Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, poka-yoke, PDCA, and other quality tools
• Present FSQ data, trends, findings, and recommendations to leadership
• Maintain knowledge of FDA requirements and applicable food safety regulations
• Collaborate with plant and corporate Quality teams on continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintain required FSMA-related credentials and pursue ongoing professional development

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field
• Hands-on experience in food manufacturing within a cGMP environment
• Strong understanding of FDA food regulations
• Experience with Food Safety & Quality systems and manufacturing processes
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects
• Experience analyzing Food Safety & Quality data and presenting findings
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Visio
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to present independently and collaboratively
• Strong integrity, judgment, accountability, and follow-through
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and cross-functionally

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Pet food or animal food manufacturing
• Multi-site manufacturing experience
• Supplier qualification and auditing
• FDA/FSMA compliance
• PCQI certification
• FSVP QI certification
• Six Sigma training or certification
• Control charting and statistical quality tools
• CAPA
• Root Cause Analysis / 5 Whys
• Poka-yoke
• PDCA
• MBWA
• Experience leading Food Safety & Quality culture initiatives

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and occasionally climb stairs or ladders
• Frequent use of a computer and repetitive tasks