Food Safety & QA Supervisor

Smithfield Foods•Mason City, IA

About The Position

The Food Safety & QA Supervisor ensures products meet food safety and quality standards by overseeing Food Safety, Quality Assurance, SQF, and regulatory programs in assigned production areas. The role conducts sanitation checks, enforces HACCP and USDA requirements, tracks product safety and quality, investigates failures, and implements corrective actions. It also supports continuous improvement and may step into FSQA Manager duties. The supervisor works with plant management, production teams, FSQA staff, and the USDA to maintain product integrity, sanitation, and regulatory compliance. The role owns and maintains the SQF system, conducts operational and pre-operational sanitation inspections and microbiological sampling, and manages work assignments, training, and development for FSQA staff.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and at least 2 years of relevant food safety or quality assurance experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience acting as a lead by training, coaching, or mentoring less experienced staff, or by managing a process or project.
Familiarity with meat processing, USDA, HACCP, SSOP, and SQF.
Ability to uphold regulatory, company, and customer standards and address inquiries or complaints.
Ability to complete forms in English.
Ability to travel up to 20% and work extended hours or weekends as needed.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and foster positive, team-oriented relationships.

Nice To Haves

HACCP and SQF certifications.
Proficiency in database, inventory, manufacturing software, QMS systems, SAP, and MS Office.
Strong written and oral communication, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
Strong planning, multitasking, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

Ensure Food Safety, Quality Assurance, SQF, and regulatory programs are executed and documented accurately.
Investigate and resolve product and process failures promptly, minimizing downtime and maintaining safety and quality standards.
Collaborate with plant management, production teams, and the USDA to improve food safety, quality, and sanitation.
Manage HACCP, SSOP, and product specifications to prevent failures.
Lead product quality and process improvement efforts with FSQA staff and Operations.
Oversee and participate in plant committees and task forces, including the Health and Safety Committee.
Conduct operational and pre-operational sanitation inspections and microbiological sampling.
Maintain, regularly reassess, and communicate updates to the SQF Plan and system.
Manage work assignments, training, and development of food safety and quality assurance staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.