Quality Systems Manager
About The Position
Help build the quality and food safety systems behind every Salt & Straw scoop. Salt & Straw is looking for a Quality Systems Manager to strengthen Quality Assurance and Food Safety across our manufacturing kitchens, shops, suppliers, and co-manufacturing partners. Based onsite in Portland and reporting to our Director of Quality and Food Safety, you’ll lead supplier quality, complex investigations, and continuous improvement of our SQF and GFSI-aligned systems. Behind every unexpected flavor is a whole lot of care: trusted suppliers, careful makers, and practical food safety programs that give our creativity room to run. As Salt & Straw grows, you’ll help those programs grow with us — so guests can enjoy every moment of wonder with confidence. This role turns quality and food safety strategy into clear, practical programs. You’ll strengthen our standards across the business, lead our Regulatory Compliance Coordinator, and help our systems keep pace with a flavor menu that’s always changing.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Dairy Science, Biology, Chemistry, Public Health, or a related field — or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- 4+ years of progressive quality assurance and food safety experience in food and beverage, including 2+ years leading people and cross-functional work
- Experience with GFSI systems (SQF preferred), CAPA, and root cause analysis
- Have built programs, SOPs, and policies — not just maintained them
- Hold PCQI and HACCP certifications or can obtain them within an established timeframe
- Communicate with clarity and care, including when the conversation is difficult
- Can turn complex food safety requirements into practices that work in real-world operations
Nice To Haves
- Experience in dairy, frozen desserts, or co-manufacturing is strongly preferred.
- We also welcome candidates from other highly regulated environments, including ISO-driven supplements or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- SQF internal auditor and supplier auditing training are a plus.
Responsibilities
- Build and improve quality programs, SOPs, and standards across manufacturing, Shop Operations, suppliers, and co-manufacturers
- Provide technical leadership in preventive controls, GMPs, sanitation, allergen management, environmental monitoring, and traceability
- Support our SQF and GFSI-aligned systems and lead audit readiness
- Manage supplier and co-manufacturer quality programs, including qualification, onboarding, audits, scorecards, and site visits
- Lead investigations and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for food safety events, quality defects, guest complaints, supplier deviations, and labeling errors
- Own packaging and label approvals, bringing consistency to the process from draft through approval
- Partner with R&D, Commercialization, Marketing, Procurement, and Operations on risk reviews for new formulas, equipment, suppliers, and facilities
- Coach and develop our Regulatory Compliance Coordinator and step in for the Director of Quality and Food Safety when needed
- Help build a culture where every Team Member takes ownership of food safety
Benefits
- Market-aligned pay
- Annual performance reviews
- Bonus eligibility
- Optional access to earned wages between paychecks
- Time to rest, recharge, and care for what matters to you
- 12 company-recognized holidays annually
- Two weeks sick time, aligned with applicable state and local requirements
- 12 weeks paid parental leave at 70% pay for eligible Team Members, subject to the biweekly maximum
- Multiple medical, dental & vision coverage options beginning the first of the month after hire
- Free, confidential 24/7 access to licensed professionals for you and your family, plus on-site counseling at CKOR
- Eligible FSA and HSA options, commuter benefits, and voluntary accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and life coverage
- Company-paid short- and long-term disability, basic life, and AD&D insurance
- 401(k) enrollment after three months of service, with a company match of 50% of your deferral up to 1% of salary
- Up to $1,800 per year toward approved coursework or certifications for eligible Team Members
- Subsidies for eligible commuting and parking costs
- 30% off Salt & Straw products
- Early access to flavors and product launches
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
