Manager of Food Safety & Quality Assurance

Cava • Verona, VA

42d

About The Position

The CAVA Foods FSQA Manager is a detail-oriented and accountable leader of our Food Safety and Quality Assurance program. This role is critical in ensuring compliance with regulatory and third-party standards, maintaining high food safety and quality benchmarks, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The FSQA Manager will oversee a team of Quality Assurance Technicians and collaborate cross-functionally to uphold our commitment to safe, high-quality food in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Safety, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in food manufacturing, including 2+ years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, Preventive Controls, GMPs, sanitation, and food safety regulations.
• Experience with GFSI schemes (BRC preferred), FDA inspections, and audit preparation.
• PCQI and HACCP certification required.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills and accountability.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management systems.
• Ability to work flexible hours and adapt to a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Ability to maintain stationary position to be able to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Must be able to identify, analyze and assess details
• Ability to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively
• Constantly positions self and move about to support ordinary restaurant or food production support or office operations, as applicable
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner
• Physical dexterity, ability to lift up to 50 lbs and push/pull rolling bowls, carts, and containers.
• The ability to work in varied environmental conditions (dry, cold)
• The ability to stand and work on feet 8-10 hours a day.
• Must be able to identify, assess and observe detail.
• Ability to squat, kneel, bend and twist
• Allergens: We prepare products with milk and sesame containing ingredients. Team members must be able to work with these ingredients.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with High Pressure Processing (HPP) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and continuously improve the facility's Food Safety Plans and prerequisite programs.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory (FDA, State) and third-party certifications (GFSI, Organic).
• Lead internal audits and prepare for external inspections and certification renewals.
• Manage traceability, recall, and product hold/release programs with precision and accountability.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop Quality Assurance Technicians, fostering a high-performance team culture.
• Provide ongoing training in food safety, sanitation, and quality protocols.
• Promote ownership and accountability across the facility to foster and grow a strong Food Safety and Quality Culture.
• Oversee sanitation processes including manual and automated systems (CIP), ensuring validation and documentation are complete and accurate.
• Manage third-party vendors for pest control, sanitation, and chemical supplies.
• Support new product development by maintaining specifications, standards, and quality protocols.
• Investigate and analyze consumer complaints and quality issues, using data to drive corrective actions.
• Lead environmental monitoring programs and support supplier performance reviews.
• Provide technical expertise in risk analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements and corrective and preventive actions.
• Provide critical thinking and problem solving skills to tackle issues as they arise

Benefits

• Competitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives
• Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, plus paid opportunities to give back to the community
• Six (6) paid holidays annually
• Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more!
• 401k enrollment with CAVA contribution
• Company-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions
• Free CAVA food
• Casual work environment
• The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Industry: Food Services and Drinking Places
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees