Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager at Pacific Coast Producers – Woodland, California

Pacific Coast Producers | Full-Time | On-Site | Exempt
Salary Range: $100,000 - $130,000 /year (based on experience)

Pacific Coast Producers (PCP), a growing agricultural cooperative with food production facilities across the West Coast, is seeking an experienced Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager to join its team at its facility in Woodland, CA. PCP is dedicated to investing in its people and fostering a culture of service, where each employee can do their best to make affordable, high-quality food for customers across North America.

Salary Range: $100,000-$130,000 per year, depending on level of education, work experience and skills. Full-time. Ability to work swing or graveyard shift during peak season (July-October). This position is eligible for the annual profit-sharing bonus program.

Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager serves as the Primary SQF Practitioner. You will be responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of SQF initiatives through leadership and direct responsibility at the facility. This role acts as a vital back-up for the Quality Control or QA Compliance Manager.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and maintenance of SQF programs. Ensure all plant internal audits (Food Safety, GMP, Sanitation, Training) are performed against SQF Standards and close any identified gaps.
• Manage and supervise quality department personnel, including scheduling, training, and performance management. Foster a culture of safety and excellence within the team.
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive Food Safety and Food Quality Plans.
• Responsible for CCP/CQP monitoring and verification activities to ensure schedules are met and plans are followed as designed.
• Provide technical oversight for thermal processing to ensure product safety and commercial sterility.
• Stay current on and enforce new laws, including the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
• Partner with Production Superintendents to determine the progress of processing changes and quality control.
• Communicate the status of the SQF Program and food safety metrics to Senior Plant Leadership.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in food or beverage safety/quality management.
• Bachelor's degree preferred in Food Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• HACCP trained or posses certification in Food Safety Preventative Controls for Human Food.
• Experience with SQF Auditing and a thorough understanding of the SQF Code.
• Proven history of leading, training, and motivating teams within a food or beverage manufacturing environment.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive Allergen Control Program and demonstrate a deep understanding of process validation principles to ensure food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Strong background in thermal processing and a working knowledge of Hot Fill and Hold Food Items.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and maintain an NOP Organic Certified Program.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to translate technical requirements into clear instructions for production teams.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including shifts during the peak harvest season.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent physical activity includes sitting, walking, using a keyboard, touching, hearing, and speaking.
• Moderate physical activity includes standing, stooping, lifting, and carrying up to 50 pounds.

Why Join PCP?

At PCP, we take care of our people. Here are just a few of the benefits full-time employees enjoy:

• Competitive pay with opportunities for advancement.
• This position is eligible for our annual profit-sharing bonus program.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, starting the first of the month after you join us.
• Retirement plans to support your long-term security.
• Paid time off including vacation, holidays, parental leave, sick leave, and bereavement.
• Life and disability insurance plus an Employee Assistance Program.
• Development opportunities through online courses, classroom training, and on-the-job growth.
• The stability of a farmer-owned cooperative with more than 50 years of success.
• A mission-driven culture focused on feeding families across North America.

Salary Range: $100,000-$130,000 /year (based on experience). This is a full-time, on-site role based out of our production facility in Woodland, CA. Must be available to work swing or graveyard shift during peak season (July-October).

The base salary range reflects the reasonable expectation for what the company anticipates paying for this role at the time of posting. The actual salary offered will depend on factors including, but not limited to:

• Relevant skills, education, and experience
• Job-related qualifications and certifications
• Internal pay equity
• Market conditions and business needs

Sponsorship: This role is not eligible for current or future visa sponsorship.

About PCP Summary

Established in 1971, Pacific Coast Producers is a cooperative owned by over 165 family farmers that grow tomatoes, peaches, pears, apricots, apples, grapes, cherries, and other fruits, to facilities in California and Oregon for processing and packaging. With over 3,000 dedicated employees, PCP strives to produce the finest quality products for customers across all trade channels, including grocery retailers and foodservice distributors throughout the United States and Canada.

Our state-of-the-art Woodland facility uses advanced technology to process whole tomatoes into various products such as diced, crushed, stewed, sauces, and paste. The facility features several advanced technologies that are designed to enhance the quality of the products. For example, a cutting-edge sorting system ensures only the highest quality tomatoes are used. We are committed to sustainability, using a closed-loop water system and renewable energy sources to minimize our carbon footprint. The Woodland facility is a prime example of Pacific Coast Producers' dedication to quality, efficiency, and sustainability.

Our facility is in Woodland, CA, a charming city in Yolo County, known for its rich agricultural history and small-town charm. With a historic downtown area, a thriving arts scene, and proximity to Sacramento, Woodland offers a unique blend of rural and urban living. Additionally, the city has a strong economy and a growing business community, making it an ideal place to work and grow your career.

AA/EEO Policy Statement

Pacific Coast Producers is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. No employee or applicant will be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.