Mgr, Plant Quality Systems II

Refresco Careers•Fort Worth, TX

About The Position

The Manager, Quality Systems II leads the plant Quality Systems function and serves as the site owner of the Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS). This role provides strategic and operational leadership to implement, execute, verify, and validate quality and food safety systems in accordance with SQF Code requirements, FSMA Preventive Controls, FDA regulations, and customer standards. The position is responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance; managing food safety and quality certifications, licenses, and registrations; and serving as the primary site contact for regulatory agencies, certification bodies, and customer systems and policies. The role leads the Quality Systems team and oversees plant food safety and quality programs, audit readiness, regulatory compliance, performance metrics, risk management, training, documentation, and system governance. It partners with plant and corporate stakeholders to investigate issues, implement corrective actions, assess risks associated with changes and launches, and continuously improve plant systems. Travel may be required up to 25%.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of Quality experience in a manufacturing environment.
Strong working knowledge of SQF, FSMA Preventive Controls, HACCP, FDA regulations, and beverage manufacturing processes.
Experience implementing and maintaining Quality System Software.
Experience implementing and maintaining SQF or other global quality systems in high-speed manufacturing.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and enterprise systems such as SAP.
Demonstrated ability to analyze data, solve complex problems, and drive results through structured root cause analysis.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Ability to build trust-based relationships, lead with accountability and courage, and foster food safety, quality ownership, and continuous improvement.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all organizational levels, regulatory agencies, and auditors.
Ability to travel up to 25%.
Ability to work while continuously standing or walking and regularly lift, handle, or carry materials or equipment of moderate weight.
Ability to maintain focus under pressure in a fast-paced environment and work in ambient hot and/or cold seasonal conditions.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science or Engineering preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the site SQF Practitioner and food safety leader, championing the FSQMS in compliance with SQF, FSMA, FDA, GFSI, and customer requirements.
Lead the Quality Systems team and maintain certification readiness and continuous compliance with third-party audits and regulatory standards.
Drive continuous improvement of plant quality and food safety systems, including HACCP, Preventive Controls, SQF System Elements, allergen and organic program management, GMPs, supplier approval, and traceability.
Ensure food safety plans, hazard analyses, and preventive controls are implemented, validated, verified, and maintained.
Own plant audit systems, including internal audits, SQF certification audits, regulatory inspections, and customer audits.
Develop and maintain an internal audit and self-assessment program aligned with SQF, FSMA, FDA, company requirements, and sanitation requirements.
Ensure timely closure of audit findings, non-conformances, and CAPAs, including documented root cause analysis and effectiveness verification.
Maintain compliance with FDA, state and local regulations, SQF Code, company quality policies, HACCP, allergen programs, kosher and organic certifications, and other applicable standards.
Monitor, analyze, and trend quality and food safety metrics; identify performance trends, recurring issues, and emerging risks.
Develop and present dashboards, reports, and summaries to plant leadership and corporate stakeholders.
Partner with Operations, Engineering, Sanitation, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and R&D to investigate quality issues and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
Support equipment installations, system tie-ins, process changes, and product launches by assessing, controlling, and validating food safety and quality risks.
Establish and maintain training programs for quality testing, inspections, monitoring activities, and FSQMS recordkeeping.
Own document control systems and ensure procedures, work instructions, specifications, and records meet SQF and regulatory requirements.
Review, revise, and update local policies and procedures, including validation and verification protocols.
Oversee quality data collection systems and ensure data integrity, accuracy, and traceability.
Perform additional duties assigned by management to support plant quality, food safety, and business objectives.