FSQA Manager

A growing food processing company in the Tampa, FL area is seeking an experienced FSQA Manager to direct site-wide quality assurance, regulatory compliance, sanitation, and food safety operations. This role is responsible for maintaining rigorous standards across high-risk protein processing environments, with a heavy emphasis on USDA-FSIS regulatory compliance and meat processing protocols. The Quality Systems & Food Safety Manager will serve as the primary site authority for federal regulatory agencies, oversee the quality and laboratory teams, drive continuous quality improvement, and champion a zero-defect food safety culture across all shifts.Key ResponsibilitiesRegulatory & USDA Oversight: Serve as the designated primary liaison for USDA-FSIS inspectors and regulatory officials. Direct the immediate investigation, documentation, and formal response process for Noncompliance Reports (NRs) and regulatory enforcement actions.HACCP & Quality Systems Management: Direct and continuously refine site HACCP plans, HARPC protocols, Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to ensure strict adherence to USDA regulations and GFSI standards (SQF / BRC).Quality Verification & Testing Protocols: Oversee comprehensive environmental monitoring, microbiological testing regimens, raw material inbound inspections (specifically meat/protein inputs), line verifications, and hold/release actions for finished goods.CAPA & Root Cause Analysis: Lead cross-functional root cause analysis (RCA) investigations, correct quality deviations, execute CAPA initiatives, manage customer complaint inquiries, and lead annual mock recalls.Team Leadership & Technical Guidance: Select, train, mentor, and supervise FSQA supervisors, laboratory/QA technicians, and sanitation leads, ensuring multi-shift execution of safety protocols.Operational Collaboration: Partner closely with Plant Operations, Maintenance, and Supply Chain leadership to address non-conformances swiftly, maintaining operational efficiency without compromising regulatory standards or product integrity.Qualifications & RequirementsEducation: Bachelor’s degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Microbiology, Animal Science, or a closely related discipline.Experience:5+ years of progressive FSQA management/leadership experience in a high-throughput food manufacturing environment.Strongly Preferred: Direct experience working within USDA-inspected meat, poultry, or egg processing facilities and demonstrated hands-on experience handling FSIS personnel and 9 CFR regulations.Certifications:HACCP Certification (Required)PCQI – Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (Strongly Preferred)GFSI Practitioner / Auditor Certification (SQF, BRC, or FSSC 22000) (Strongly Preferred)Technical Skills: Advanced knowledge of protein/meat processing risks, microbiological sampling techniques, environmental monitoring programs, sanitation chemistry, statistical process control (SPC), and continuous improvement methodologies.Benefits & PerksComprehensive benefits will be offered, including competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and professional development support.