Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented QA Manager to lead quality and food safety programs at our client’s facility, specializing in confectionery products. This role is responsible for managing daily QA operations, ensuring regulatory compliance (FDA, FSMA, GFSI), and driving continuous improvement across quality systems, processes, and teams.

Title: QA Manager – Food Manufacturing

Salary: $90K- $100K annually

Location : Orange County, CA

Job type: Direct hire

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all daily Quality Assurance operations to ensure product quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance
• Ensure production operations comply with GMPs, HACCP plans, FSMA requirements, and internal SOPs
• Lead root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and resolution of quality issues, deviations, and customer complaints
• Oversee quality inspections, sampling, testing, and release of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods
• Develop, implement, and maintain food safety programs including allergen control, sanitation, traceability, and supplier approval/verification
• Plan and conduct internal audits; serve as QA lead during external audits (FDA, GFSI, customer audits)
• Train, mentor, and manage QA staff while promoting a strong food safety and quality culture across the facility
• Ensure accurate and compliant QA documentation, including batch records, COAs, specifications, deviation reports, and audit records
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, R&D, Supply Chain, and Engineering on quality initiatives and product launches
• Oversee calibration, verification, and maintenance of laboratory and QA equipment
• Support specification development and validation for new and existing products, particularly food coloring and confectionery formulations
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality performance, efficiency, and compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred
• 3+ years of Quality Assurance experience in a food manufacturing environment, including leadership or supervisory responsibility
• Strong knowledge of FDA regulations, FSMA, HACCP, GMPs, and GFSI standards (SQF, BRC, or similar)
• Proven experience leading investigations, CAPA programs, and audit readiness
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and team development skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and QA systems such as LIMS and ERP platforms
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with strong attention to detail

*This job description is a complete list of all desired skills, but not all are required. We strongly encourage candidates who have some of the skills to apply. We look forward to a conversation to learn more about you! *

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