Located in Modesto, CA
Pay: $124,162–$166,936 annually
Job Full Description
Director of Quality Assurance & Food Safety
Location: Modesto, CA
Industry: Food Manufacturing (Dairy Preferred)
Compensation: $124,162–$166,936 annually
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
Summary/Objective
The Director of QA & Food Safety provides strategic leadership over the company’s food safety and quality programs. This role ensures all products meet or exceed the highest standards for safety, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance, while fostering a proactive food safety culture throughout the facility.
Classification
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
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Serve as a member of the executive leadership team; contribute to strategic direction and operational excellence.
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Ensure full compliance with FDA, USDA, state, and local food safety regulations.
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Lead and continuously improve HACCP and Food Safety Plans.
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Oversee product recall preparedness and response, including mock recalls and traceability testing.
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Manage compliance with third-party certifications (SQF, Kosher, Organic, etc.).
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Verify production records for FSMA Preventive Controls and CCP compliance.
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Lead supplier approval and monitoring programs.
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Plan and conduct internal audits for GMP, sanitation, and QA systems.
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Investigate non-conformances, customer complaints, and environmental monitoring results; lead CAPA resolution.
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Direct Environmental Monitoring Program and pathogen control.
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Oversee testing protocols and equipment calibration.
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Monitor QA metrics and KPIs.
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Manage plant sanitation programs, including Master Sanitation Schedules and CIP protocols.
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Conduct quality and sanitation audits; track and verify corrective actions.
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Collaborate with Operations to enhance product quality and food safety.
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Serve as the subject matter expert for food safety, sanitation, and compliance training.
Additional Responsibilities
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Champion food safety culture and risk mitigation strategies.
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Drive continuous improvement and GMP compliance.
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Promote safety awareness and adherence across departments.
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Flexibility to adjust schedule to support production needs.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory & Support Responsibilities
Required Knowledge & Skills
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Experience working with regulatory auditors and agencies.
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In-depth understanding of HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs, allergen & pest control, and recall programs.
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Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
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Leadership skills with the ability to engage and develop high-performing teams.
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Technical interpretation skills and hands-on project management.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office and QA systems software.
Certifications & Licenses
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SQF Practitioner (required)
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Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) (required)
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HACCP Certification (required)
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Industrial Supervisor by CDFA (preferred)
Education & Experience
Required:
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Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field
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5+ years in food manufacturing QA, including 3+ years in management
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Experience with SQF Code Level 2 and maintaining an SQF system
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SQF Practitioner and HACCP Certified
Preferred:
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7+ years in dairy food manufacturing QA, with 5+ years in leadership
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Master’s or PhD in Food Science, Microbiology, or related
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Expertise in food labeling, regulatory compliance, and managing external audits
Work Schedule
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Standard: 8 hours/day, 5 days/week
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Schedule flexibility is required; weekend work is occasionally needed
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Regular attendance is essential and expected
Travel
Physical Requirements
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Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting (up to 80 lbs)
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Requires use of PPE: hairnet, gloves, mask, earplugs, etc.
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Must tolerate cold environments and perform tasks in manufacturing and production settings
Work Environment
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Fast-paced production setting
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Cold storage and sanitation-sensitive areas
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Interaction with cross-functional teams, auditors, and leadership
#3237 #Dairy #Modesto
Modesto, CA
3237
300 Banner Court
Suite 2
Modesto, CA 95356
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