The Quality Assurance (QA) Manager in Syracuse, NY is responsible for leading the quality function at a cooked and raw, multi-protein retail production facility. This role ensures all products meet regulatory, customer, and company standards for food safety and quality.

The QA Manager develops, implements, and maintains the facility’s Quality Management System, drives compliance with FDA, USDA, HACCP, GFSI standards, and customer requirements, and ensures adherence to high-claims compliance. This position also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and accountability across operations.

What can you expect day to day?

Quality Management Systems

• Develop, implement, and maintain the facility’s Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with HACCP, FDA/USDA regulations, GFSI standards, customer/retailer standards, and high-claims compliance.
• Maintain accurate quality documentation, SOPs, policies, and procedures.
• Manage internal and external audits, including third-party certification audits, ensuring timely closure of non-conformances.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Lead HACCP plans, food safety programs, allergen controls, and sanitation programs.
• Monitor compliance with FDA and USDA requirements, including labelling and traceability standards.
• Oversee product recalls, customer complaints, and root cause investigations.
• Ensure corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are implemented, tracked, and verified.

Leadership & People

• Lead, coach, and develop the QA team to ensure high performance.
• Conduct food safety and quality training for staff at all levels.
• Promote a culture of quality, food safety, and continuous improvement across the organisation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, microbiology, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ QA experience in food manufacturing (meat experience preferred), including at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, FDA, USDA regulations, GFSI standards (SQF, BRC, ISO 22000), and high-claims compliance.
• Audit management experience (internal and external).
• Excellent leadership, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and risk-based approach to food safety.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Work From Home