Quality Assurance Manager in Grand Rapids, Michigan at CK Snack Foods

Position Title: Quality Manager
Location: Grand Rapids
Reports To: Senior Director of Operations

Position Summary

The Quality Manager is responsible for leading all quality and food safety programs within the facility to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and company standards. This role drives a culture of quality, continuous improvement, and accountability across the plant, while partnering closely with Operations, R&D, and Supply Chain to deliver safe, high-quality products.

Key Responsibilities

Quality & Food Safety Leadership

• Lead and manage all aspects of the plant’s Quality Management System (QMS)
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including FDA, USDA (if applicable), and third-party audit standards (e.g., SQF, BRC)
• Serve as the site lead for food safety programs, including HACCP, GMPs, allergen control, and sanitation oversight
• Maintain and continuously improve food safety and quality programs

Audit & Compliance

• Lead internal, customer, and third-party audits
• Ensure readiness for audits and drive timely corrective actions for any findings
• Maintain all required documentation and records in compliance with regulatory and customer standards

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the quality team, including supervisors and technicians
• Build a strong quality culture across all shifts and departments
• Provide training on food safety, quality standards, and regulatory requirements to plant personnel

Quality Assurance & Control

• Oversee product quality testing, inspections, and release processes
• Monitor key quality metrics and drive corrective actions to address trends or issues
• Ensure adherence to specifications for raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods

Customer & Supplier Quality

• Manage customer complaints, including investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
• Partner with suppliers and procurement to ensure raw material quality and compliance
• Support customer requirements, specifications, and documentation requests

Continuous Improvement

• Drive root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)
• Partner with Operations to reduce waste, improve yields, and enhance product quality
• Utilize data and metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of quality or food safety experience in a food manufacturing environment (snack food experience preferred)
• 2+ years of leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, and food safety regulations
• Experience with third-party audits (SQF, BRC, or similar)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive accountability
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to production areas, varying temperatures, and food processing equipment
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends or off-shifts as needed

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed