FSQA Manager

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced FSQA Manager to join our team at a leading provider of high-quality seafood products. The FSQA Manager will be responsible for overseeing and ensuring that all food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance measures are met throughout the production process. This is a critical role in maintaining the integrity of our seafood products and ensuring that they meet both company standards and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Food Safety Management:

• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of food safety programs, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and sanitation protocols.
• Develop, implement, and regularly update food safety procedures in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA, EPA).
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and transportation of seafood products to prevent contamination and ensure product safety.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to identify potential food safety issues and implement corrective actions as necessary.

Quality Assurance:

• Develop and maintain quality control standards for seafood products, ensuring consistency, taste, texture, appearance, and shelf life.
• Monitor and evaluate production processes to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure product quality meets both company and customer expectations.
• Perform regular inspections and testing of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
• Address customer complaints related to product quality and food safety, investigating the root causes and taking corrective action when necessary.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety regulations, including seafood-specific standards (e.g., Seafood Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Program).
• Prepare for and participate in regulatory inspections and audits.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation and records related to food safety and quality assurance.

Team Leadership & Training:

• Lead, train, and supervise the FSQA team, ensuring they are well-equipped to uphold food safety and quality standards.
• Provide continuous training to employees on food safety and quality protocols to enhance knowledge and ensure adherence to best practices.
• Foster a culture of food safety and quality within the production team.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay informed of the latest food safety and quality assurance trends, regulations, and technologies to improve company processes.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for non-conformance, ensuring continuous improvement in both food safety and product quality.
• Implement initiatives to reduce product defects, foodborne illness risks, and operational inefficiencies.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration:

• Work closely with Production, Operations, R&D, and Supply Chain teams to ensure alignment on food safety and quality goals.
• Communicate effectively with senior management regarding food safety and quality issues, reporting on performance and compliance status.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in a Food Safety or Quality Assurance role within the seafood or food manufacturing industry.
• Strong knowledge of seafood handling, processing, and regulatory requirements.
• Expertise in HACCP, GMP, and other relevant food safety management systems.
• Familiarity with seafood-specific food safety standards and certifications (e.g., BAP, MSC).
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop a team.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Certification in Food Safety (e.g., HACCP, SQF, ServSafe) is a plus.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work in a cold, refrigerated environment and around seafood processing equipment.
• Occasional lifting of up to 40 lbs.
• Standing for long periods may be required.

Work Environment:

This position is based in our seafood production facility. The FSQA Manager will need to adhere to safety and hygiene practices while working closely with production teams to monitor and ensure food safety and quality.