Food Safety Quality Manager

Ferrero•Louisville, KY

About The Position

The Food Safety Quality Manager is the primary food safety and quality technical resource for manufacturing operations. The role applies food science, microbiology, chemistry, risk assessment, statistical analysis, and preventive-control principles to evaluate process performance, product quality, food safety risks, and regulatory compliance within an assigned manufacturing business unit. It provides scientific and technical leadership for deviations, process changes, non-conformities, consumer complaints, validation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position partners with Operations, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Technology to maintain effective quality systems, preventive controls, and sustainable process capability. It uses technical judgment and risk-based decision-making to protect consumers, brands, and business performance while strengthening manufacturing excellence. Responsibilities also include supporting purchasing processes for the Food Safety and Quality Department and coordinating approved product-tasting activities along the production line.

Requirements

Understanding of HACCP, Preventive Controls, Food Safety Plans, oPRPs, CCPs, allergen management, environmental monitoring, sanitation controls, and regulatory requirements.
Ability to assess food-safety hazards and determine the significance of quality and food-safety risks using scientific principles and data-based decision-making.
Experience conducting quality-control tests and inspections of products, materials, or processes.
Knowledge of food microbiology, chemistry, ingredient functionality, packaging systems, and manufacturing processes.
Understanding of process capability, process variability, validation methodologies, and product-quality attributes.
Proficiency in trend analysis, statistical process control, sampling plans, capability analysis, and interpretation of laboratory results.
Ability to analyze complex datasets and identify emerging risks, process trends, and opportunities for improvement.
Knowledge of GFSI, GMPs, FSMA, internal quality standards, auditing principles, and corrective and preventive action systems.
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement through technical expertise and effective communication.
Computer skills including SAP, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others.
Strong communication skills in a multicultural environment.
1–3 years of experience.

Nice To Haves

PCQI training.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee food safety and quality management processes, including evaluation, disposition practices, and risk mitigation across the UGP.
Ensure systems and resources verify material compliance with specifications, regulatory requirements, and internal standards; review and approve significant quality decisions and escalations.
Analyze quality trends and non-conformities to identify systemic risks and recommend preventive actions that improve supplier performance and reduce manufacturing risk.
Serve as the Food Safety and Quality subject-matter lead for assigned UGP operations, ensuring compliance with company standards, regulations, customer expectations, and certification schemes.
Evaluate manufacturing processes using food science, microbiology, chemistry, engineering principles, and statistical analysis to identify product-quality and food-safety risks.
Verify the effectiveness of preventive controls, HACCP plans, CCPs, oPRPs, allergen controls, sanitation programs, environmental monitoring programs, and prerequisite programs.
Lead the evaluation, containment, investigation, and disposition of non-conforming raw materials, work-in-process materials, and finished goods.
Use scientific data, risk-assessment methods, product specifications, regulatory requirements, and historical performance to support disposition decisions.
Facilitate and lead root-cause analysis using structured problem-solving methods.
Provide technical support for commissioning, qualification, validation, and verification of equipment, manufacturing processes, ingredients, packaging systems, and production technologies.
Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, Corporate Quality, and R&D to evaluate process capability and establish robust process controls.
Assess food-safety and quality risks related to equipment modifications, automation initiatives, process changes, and capital projects.
Create purchase requisitions and complete goods receipts for items purchased for the Food Safety and Quality Department when needed.
Analyze food-safety and quality data to identify trends, recurring issues, emerging risks, and improvement opportunities.
Develop reports, dashboards, and technical summaries to support business and operational decisions.
Ensure approved tasting activities are conducted along the production line for products within the role's scope, including maintaining the taster list, reporting, and training.