Quality Manager

Next Century Spirits Inc•Zebulon, NC

24d•$70,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Manager is responsible for the daily execution, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the facility’s Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring that raw materials, manufacturing processes, and finished products meet established quality and regulatory requirements. This hands-on leadership position supervises Quality Control Technicians, oversees laboratory operations, supports manufacturing activities, and drives consistent execution of quality standards throughout the facility. The role requires technical proficiency to provide hands-on training, troubleshoot analytical and manufacturing issues, and perform Quality Control testing when operational needs require, while maintaining primary responsibility for leadership, quality systems, and departmental performance. The Quality Manager collaborates with Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, and other departments to identify and resolve quality issues, implement corrective actions, and strengthen quality processes. The role balances technical expertise, sound judgment, and people management to support accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. The position reports to the Vice President of R&D and Quality and directly supervises three Quality Control Technicians. It is salaried and on-site Monday through Friday in Zebulon, North Carolina.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, or a related scientific or technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant manufacturing experience.
At least 3 years of Quality Assurance or Quality Control experience in a food or beverage manufacturing environment.
At least 2 years of direct supervisory or people management experience, including responsibility for employee performance, training, and daily work assignments.
Demonstrated experience implementing, maintaining, or improving Quality Management Systems, including SOPs, specifications, nonconformance management, and corrective actions.
Demonstrated laboratory experience, including analytical testing, interpretation of results, equipment operation, and troubleshooting, with the technical proficiency and willingness to provide hands-on support when needed.
Experience supporting manufacturing operations, investigating quality issues, and working collaboratively with Production teams.
Working knowledge of GMPs, food safety principles, and applicable quality and regulatory requirements.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Ability and willingness to work directly in laboratory and manufacturing environments as operational needs require.
Must be at least 21 years of age and able to participate in sensory evaluation of alcoholic beverages, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising hourly employees in a manufacturing or laboratory environment.
Quality experience in alcoholic beverages, dairy, liquid food products, or other process manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with HACCP, preventive controls, internal auditing, and food safety management systems.
Experience with supplier quality management, customer complaint investigations, and quality performance metrics.
Experience using electronic Quality Management Systems, ERP systems, or digital manufacturing documentation.
Familiarity with alcoholic beverage regulatory requirements, including TTB regulations.
Experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives and leading cross-functional problem-solving activities.

Responsibilities

Maintain, implement, and continuously improve the facility’s Quality Management System, including SOPs, records, deviations, corrective actions, and document control.
Monitor compliance with quality procedures and identify opportunities to improve their effectiveness and efficiency.
Lead investigations into nonconforming materials, manufacturing deviations, and customer complaints, including root cause analysis and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
Manage quality holds; evaluate nonconforming materials and products; make disposition decisions within established authority levels; and escalate significant quality concerns as appropriate.
Develop and monitor quality performance indicators, identify trends, and drive measurable improvements.
Oversee daily Quality Control laboratory operations to ensure accurate, timely, and reliable testing in support of manufacturing.
Provide technical guidance, hands-on training, and troubleshooting support to Quality Control Technicians.
Maintain proficiency in laboratory methods and equipment to perform testing when needed for training, troubleshooting, or staffing coverage.
Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated, and operated according to approved procedures.
Review laboratory results, investigate out-of-specification conditions, and ensure appropriate corrective actions.
Oversee laboratory documentation, sample management, and retain programs.
Maintain an active presence on the manufacturing floor to support quality execution and timely resolution of issues.
Partner with Operations to ensure compliance with product specifications, manufacturing procedures, GMPs, and quality standards.
Oversee in-process quality inspections, packaging component inspections, and finished product evaluations.
Review and approve manufacturing quality documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
Support investigations involving manufacturing defects, packaging issues, supplier quality concerns, and process deviations.
Balance production needs with quality requirements while maintaining appropriate quality standards.
Directly supervise Quality Control Technicians, including daily work assignments, scheduling, training, coaching, and performance management.
Manage daily Quality Department activities, establish work priorities, and ensure appropriate staffing and resource allocation for manufacturing operations.
Establish performance expectations and hold team members accountable for following procedures, completing documentation, and meeting operational requirements.
Develop and maintain employee training and competency assessment programs.
Provide constructive feedback, address performance concerns promptly, and support employee development.
Ensure effective communication, shift handoffs, and coordination of Quality activities across operational areas.
Foster a professional, collaborative work environment emphasizing accountability, consistency, and continuous improvement.