FQSA Manager in Vista, California at M2 Ingredients

M2 Ingredients is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Quality Assurance Manager to lead and oversee all quality and food safety programs within our manufacturing operations.

This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with FDA cGMP regulations, food safety standards, third-party certifications, and internal quality systems while supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in dietary supplements, food manufacturing, nutraceuticals, or related regulated industries with hands-on experience managing quality systems, audits, CAPA programs, SOP development, and regulatory compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead daily Quality Assurance operations and supervise QA personnel.
• Maintain and improve Quality Management Systems (QMS) in compliance with FDA cGMP, HACCP, BRCGS, GMP, and food safety requirements.
• Review and approve deviations, CAPAs, non-conformance reports, change controls, investigations, and related quality documentation.
• Develop, revise, and maintain SOPs, SSOPs, specifications, batch records, protocols, forms, and training documents.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for FDA, third-party, customer, and regulatory audits and inspections.
• Manage internal audits, mock withdrawals/recalls, supplier approval programs, and corrective action initiatives.
• Ensure compliance of branded product labels with FDA labeling laws related to the dietary supplement industry.
• Responsible for FSQA activities related to co-packers, including audits, SCARs, and issue resolution to ensure compliance with regulatory programs.
• Oversee raw material, in-process, and finished product quality programs, including sampling, testing, release, stability, and skip-lot testing activities.
• Monitor quality metrics, KPIs, AQL programs, and trend analysis to identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Manage customer complaints, investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Ensure compliance with certifications, including Organic, Kosher, Non-GMO, Vegan, and customer-specific standards.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Manufacturing, R&D, and Supply Chain teams to drive product quality and operational excellence, including FSQA and regulatory activities related to new product launches.
• Conduct employee training on GMPs, food safety, sanitation, and quality procedures.
• Maintain audit readiness and support continuous improvement throughout the facility.

Benefits Package Includes:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paternity Leave
• Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Life & (AD&D) Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Sick Leave

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related scientific discipline preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of Quality Assurance experience within dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, food manufacturing, cosmetics, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Minimum 3 years of leadership or management experience overseeing QA teams.
• Strong working knowledge of FDA cGMP regulations (21 CFR Part 111/117), HACCP, BRCGS, GMP, and preventive controls.
• Experience leading internal, customer, and regulatory audits.
• Proven experience managing CAPA systems, non-conformance investigations, and quality documentation.
• Strong understanding of food safety and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Excellent organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• PCQI, HACCP, BRCGS Professional, or related certifications preferred.
• Experience in mushroom, botanical, or functional ingredient manufacturing is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds as needed.
• Ability to wear required PPE and comply with food safety and GMP requirements.

Please note: This position is intended for direct applicants only. No staffing agencies or third-party recruiters.