QA Manager at Copeland Group – MADISONVILLE, Louisiana

The Quality Assurance Manager ensures all regulatory, customer, and internal quality standards are met. This role leads the QA and Sanitation teams, oversees food safety programs, and manages audits, documentation, and compliance efforts.

• Lead QA and Sanitation teams (13+ staff)
• Maintain compliance with HACCP, FSMA, USDA, FDA, and GFSI standards
• Conduct internal audits and manage third-party inspection readiness
• Oversee lab operations and QA testing (microbiological, chemical, organoleptic)
• Investigate customer complaints and implement corrective actions
• Manage QA budget and lab inventory
• Collaborate with plant leadership to improve sanitation and GMPs
• Generate reports to track KPIs and quality metrics

• 10+ years of experience in the food industry, including 5+ years in quality management
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations (USDA, FDA, FSMA, etc.)
• Certifications in PCQI, Food Defense, and HACCP
• Experience in leading third-party audits such as BRC, SQF, ISO, etc.
• Experience managing regulatory agency interactions and updates
• Food manufacturing experience, ideally in dry goods (I.e. seasoning, flour, etc.)
• 1–3 years of auditing experience
• Proven ability to hire, lead, and manage teams effectively
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and presentation skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

• ASQ certification (i.e. Internal Audit Certification, Certified Quality Auditor, Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence, Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Food Safety and Quality Auditor, etc.)
• Experience with document management systems
• Exposure to or experience with Supply Quality Programs
• 1–2 years of Supply Quality Management experience
• Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt, or higher)
• Broad knowledge of quality assurance concepts, practices, and procedures