Quality Control Manager

YAMAMOTO OF ORIENT INC•Pomona, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Quality Manager is responsible for leading the Quality Control team to ensure all products consistently meet food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. This role oversees the Quality Management System, including document control, audits, CAPA, and continuous improvement initiatives, while providing leadership and development to the QC team. The position partners cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and external stakeholders to proactively address quality risks, resolve issues, and drive process improvements. Ultimately, the Quality Control Manager ensures compliance, strengthens the food safety culture, and supports business objectives by protecting product integrity and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in food science, quality management, or a related field.
Minimum of 7 years of experience in the food industry within a Quality related function, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes, quality assurance, and quality control principles, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to applicable regulations and standards.
Certifications in HACCP and PCQI required; training in SQF and/or BRC preferred.
Highly proficient in executing CAPA procedures, including conducting thorough root cause analysis, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions, and verifying their effectiveness.
Demonstrates strong capability in analyzing quality data and trends to identify improvement opportunities and drive sustainable solutions.
Strong data analysis skills, including experience with testing procedures and quality control tools and equipment.
Strong communication skills with the ability to lead by example, act ethically, and serve as a role model for the team by maintaining integrity, fostering a supportive work environment, and promoting collaboration and accountability.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with ERP systems preferred.
Bilingual in Spanish required.
Regularly required to sit or stand/walk for extended periods.
Frequently required to use a computer, including typing and viewing a monitor.
Regularly required to talk and/or listen in conversations with customers and team members, both in-person and over the phone.
Occasionally may need to lift and move small office supplies, up to 25 lbs.
Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment such as computer keyboards, monitors, copiers, and scanners.

Nice To Haves

Training in SQF and/or BRC preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee and manage QC department personnel, including hiring, training, performance management, and development.
Provide coaching and mentorship to build a high-performing team, set clear expectations, and ensure accountability.
Effectively allocate resources, including managing the QC department budget, prioritizing and distributing workloads, and support team members in achieving both departmental and organizational goals.
Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and external partners to ensure quality standards are consistently met.
Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to the Quality team, fostering accountability and continuous development.
Maintain the Quality Management System, ensuring all production documents, records, and SOPs are accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with regulatory and company standards.
Establish and enforce document control procedures, ensuring proper management of both electronic and paper records.
Lead and oversee quality inspections for both in-house production and co-manufactured products to ensure compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements.
Participate in internal and external audit programs, identify non-conformances, and ensure timely and effective resolution through CAPA procedures.
Ensure compliance with environmental monitoring, calibration, and weight control programs.
Lead the execution and effectiveness of CAPA procedures, including root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, and verification.
Analyze quality metrics such as customer complaints, non-conforming products, and process deviations to identify trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.
Support the investigation of customer complaints and quality issues, ensuring thorough root cause analysis and timely resolution.
Collaborate cross-functionally to implement preventive measures and minimize recurrence.
Provide leadership in decision-making related to product quality and food safety concerns.
Ensure all quality-related equipment and instruments are properly calibrated, maintained, and functioning in accordance with standards.
Oversee calibration programs for equipment including scales, thermometers, ATP devices, water activity meters, moisture analyzers, and magnets.
Manage laboratory operations, including supplies, testing procedures, and compliance.
Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable regulatory and certification requirements, including FDA, AIB, HACCP, HARPC, SQF, Organic, nonGMO, and Kosher standards.
Partner with operation team to address compliance gaps, and ensure readiness at all times.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support business needs and quality objectives.