Quality Assurance Manager

Launched in 2020, Village Gourmet brings together specialty producers of fine meat and snacking options to help America eat better. With a dedication to quality, Village Gourmet supports its specialty food brands with the resources they need to grow operations and bring their products to consumers across the country.
Comprised of four SQF-certified facilities across the USA and a national marketing and sales network, companies within Village Gourmet share the same commitment to using time-honored recipes and high-quality ingredients, from fresh sausage, classic charcuterie, accompaniments, snacks, and more.
COMPANY SUMMARY:
Longhini Sausage has been handcrafting Italian sausage and other Italian specialties in New Haven, Connecticut since 1950. Longhini takes pride in sourcing all-natural ingredients and maintaining the highest quality standards set forth by its founder almost 70 years ago.
JOB SUMMARY:
We are seeking a highly dedicated and experienced Quality Assurance and Food Safety Manager to ensure the utmost compliance with food safety regulations, maintain product quality, and uphold the highest standards of safety and sanitation within our facility. This critical role will require you to make scientifically informed decisions, manage a dedicated team, and maintain strong working relationships with regulatory bodies. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in food safety and Quality Assurance, a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
COMPENSATION:
$75,000 - 95,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all food safety, Quality Assurance, and regulatory programs are consistently followed and well-documented to meet USDA and other regulatory requirements.
2. Root Cause Analysis: Investigate product and process failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions promptly, minimizing production downtime and product exposure.
3. Program Development: Collaborate with the Director of Quality to suggest and implement revisions and updates to food safety (HACCP) and quality programs and procedures.
4. Audits and Verification: Take responsibility for the preparation and execution of USDA daily verification tasks, 3rd party audits, and USDA food safety system assessments.
5. Stakeholder Relations: Develop and maintain strong working relationships with USDA/IPP and Organic Certification Agency personnel to ensure smooth regulatory compliance.
6. Continuous Improvement: Work with Food Safety and Quality Assurance staff and Operations to drive continuous improvement in product quality, sanitation, and food safety through the development of plans, controls, and training.
7. Sanitation Program: Implement and manage the facility's sanitation program, including performance tracking, training, and regular meetings with USDA to discuss sanitation findings.
8. Micro Sampling: Implement necessary verification activities, including micro sampling, to confirm the effectiveness of sanitation processes and respond to negative micro and Shelf-Life data to drive improvement.
9. Trend Identification: Identify and correct any sanitation-related trends to ensure consistent product safety and quality.
10. Team Leadership: Manage the daily activities, training, and development of the Food Safety and Quality staff members. Conduct monthly Internal Facility / GMP audits.
11. Continuous Improvement: Ensure equipment cleanliness before the start of operations, auditing and scrutinizing the level of cleanliness, and making improvements as necessary.
12. SQF Programs: Assist in the development and revision of the SQF Food Safety Programs, including annual reassessment of HACCP Plans and Hazard Analysis.
13. Communication: Effectively communicate essential information to relevant personnel for the successful implementation and maintenance of the SQF System.
14. Performance Management: Manage performance plans/reviews, work schedules, and assignments of food safety plant staff.
15. Collaboration: Work closely with the Warehouse Manager to ensure compliance with GMPs and allergen material storage.
16. Labeling Expertise: Demonstrate knowledge of USDA label development, application, regulatory approval, and use of USDA-approved labeling software, including nutritional facts panel inputs.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Proven experience in food safety, Quality Assurance, and regulatory compliance, with at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.

SKILLS

• In-depth knowledge of USDA regulations and SQF Food Safety Programs.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Certification in HACCP and SQF is preferred.

JOB DETAILS:
This role is a regular employee, full-time salary position that is normally scheduled:

• Monday through Friday, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

Overtime work may be required based on the needs of the business, including some weekends and off-hours.
BENEFITS:

• Eligible for Quarterly Operations Manager Bonus Program
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick days
• 401K with employer match
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• FSA Medical, Dependent Care and Commuter Benefits Accounts
• Company paid life insurance and long-term disability
• Paid company holidays

If you are a dedicated, knowledgeable, and driven professional with a passion for ensuring food safety and quality, we encourage you to apply for this critical position. Join our team and play a pivotal role in maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance within our facility.
Affirmative action plan/equal employment opportunity (AAP/EEO) statement
Village Gourmet provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.