Site Quality Assurance Manager

Paradise Tomato Kitchen • Louisville, KY

5h

About The Position

The Site Quality Assurance (QA) Manager is a critical member of the plant leadership team, reporting directly to the Director of Quality. This role is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of food safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance, with a specialized focus on microbiological controls, processing equipment functionality, and thermal processing.

Working in close partnership with the Plant Manager, Production Manager, and Maintenance Manager, the Site QA Manager drives performance in Safety, Sanitation, Quality, and Efficiency. This role requires a hands-on leader who is deeply knowledgeable in microbiology, food processing systems, and GFSI standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, Biology, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum5years of experience in food manufacturing, with at least 3 yearsinqualityleadership role.
• Strong working knowledge of microbiological principles and testing methodologies.
• Experience with processing equipment, CIP systems, and hygienic design standards.
• Proficient in regulatory compliance (FSMA, HACCP, GMP, etc.).
• Skilledin data analysis, root cause investigation, and corrective action implementation.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and team-building skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and quality managementsystems.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in tomato processing, strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement.
• HACCP / HARPC (PCQI Certification) – Proven ability to develop, implement, and manage preventive controls and hazard analysis programs.
• GFSI Scheme Experience – Familiarity with SQF, BRCGS, or FSSC 22000 standards and audit readiness.
• Internal Auditor Training – Experience conducting internal audits and driving corrective actions.
• Management & Supervision – Demonstrated leadership in managing QA teams and cross-functional collaboration.
• Product Development / Commercialization – Hands-on experience launching new products in a tomato processing facility or similar environment.
• Thermal Process Design –Understanding ofthermal processing principles, validation, and regulatory compliance for low-acid foods.
• Food Microbiology Expertise – Strong foundation in microbial testing, pathogen control, and environmental monitoring.
• Mass Balance Calculations – Ability to apply mass balance equations tooptimizeingredient concentrations and achieve target product specifications.
• Sensory Evaluation – Experience in designing and conducting sensory panels to assess product quality and consistency.

Responsibilities

• Champion a culture of food safety and quality across all plant operations.
• Lead and mentortheQA Technicians, fostering technical growth and accountability.
• Maintain a strong floor presence to ensure compliance withcGMPs, sanitation protocols, and food safety procedures.
• Oversee and continuously improve the plant’s microbiological monitoring program, including pathogen testing, environmental sampling, and trending analysis.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is properlymaintained, calibrated, and capable of supporting microbiological and chemical testing.
• Collaborate withEngineering andMaintenance to ensure processing equipment is hygienically designed,properly cleaned, andmaintainedto prevent contamination.
• Lead the Food Safety Team andfacilitateannual reviews of the Food Safety Plan, including HACCP and Preventive Controls.
• Manage the Positive Release Program, ensuring all finished products meet specifications and regulatory requirements before release.
• Provide final disposition decisions for non-conforming materials and finished goods, in alignment with the Director of Quality.
• Support commercialization of new products, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.
• Partner with R&D and Corporate Quality to optimize formulations and processing parameters for fresh season tomatoes, considering variability in brix, acidity, and texture.
• Ensure all audits (internal, customer, regulatory) are completed onscheduleand corrective actions are implemented effectively.
• Maintain compliance with FDA, state, and local regulations, as well as customer-specific requirements.
• Actively support new business opportunities and customer engagement through technicalexpertiseand quality assurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager