Senior Manager Quality Assurance

Agropur • Lake Norden, SD

1d

About The Position

Reporting to the Site Director, the Senior Quality Manager (QA/QC) is accountable for the overall performance of the site’s quality operations, overseeing all quality systems, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. This strategic leadership role plays a critical part in ensuring product excellence, audit readiness, and long‑term quality vision across the plant. The Senior Quality Manager leads the QA/QC team while strengthening organizational structure, quality culture, and accountability across all functions. In a dynamic food manufacturing environment, this position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on operational performance, product integrity, and people development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field (required); MBA preferred
• Minimum 10 years of experience in quality management within food or manufacturing
• Certifications required: HACCP, SQF Practitioner, or PCQI; Six Sigma preferred
• Proven experience leading large teams and complex quality operations
• Strong analytical thinking, problem‑solving, and risk management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with senior leadership and regulatory bodies
• High proficiency in quality management systems and Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated strategic mindset, leadership courage, and ability to drive sustainable improvements

Nice To Haves

• MBA preferred
• Six Sigma preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the plant’s comprehensive quality strategy, aligned with corporate objectives and industry standards
• Oversee all QA/QC activities, ensuring compliance with GMP, HACCP, FSMA, GFSI, and internal quality systems
• Supervise and mentor Quality Managers and quality leadership teams, building capability, ownership, and consistency across the department
• Monitor key quality KPIs, identify trends, and lead structured root‑cause analysis initiatives to drive continuous improvement
• Manage the site’s quality budget, ensuring optimal resource allocation to support operations and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Operations, R&D, and Supply Chain to support process reliability, cost‑saving initiatives, and new product introductions
• Lead investigations related to deviations, escapes, or customer complaints, ensuring timely CAPA implementation and sustainable solutions
• Act as the primary liaison during external audits and regulatory inspections, ensuring the site remains in a state of audit readiness
• Support site improvement projects, ensuring compliance, risk analysis, proper execution, and on‑time delivery
• Participate in site leadership meetings and provide strategic recommendations to enhance profitability, operational efficiency, and product quality

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) up to 7% company contributions
• 3 weeks Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Advancement Opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees