Corporate Manager, Quality Assurance

The Corporate Quality Manager will be joining a private equity business with iconic brands, strong retail presence, and outstanding manufacturing capabilities. The Corporate Quality Manager is responsible for overseeing the quality systems and food safety programs across external and internal manufacturing facilities focused on canning, UHT (Ultra-High Temperature), and aseptic food operations. This role ensures product compliance with all internal standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations while driving continuous improvement initiatives in quality and food safety.
Responsibilities:

• Perform annual performance appraisals for all direct reports and develop key personnel through coaching, training, and organizational development
• Establish, maintain, and improve upon programs and policies designed to ensure compliance with all relevant third party, customer, state, federal, and global regulatory food safety and quality requirements.
• Perform data entry, verification and validation of specifications in company PLM system.
• Review and approve product labels, nutritional and allergen claims.
• Develop, implement, and maintain corporate quality policies, programs, and systems across canning, UHT, and aseptic operations.
• Provide technical guidance on thermal processing validation, sterility assurance, and HACCP programs.
• Lead internal and third-party audit readiness and compliance with regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA, USDA, CFIA) and relevant GFSI Certification.
• Monitor and analyze quality KPIs and implement corrective/preventive actions (CAPAs) across sites.
• Partner with plant Quality Managers to ensure consistent execution of quality and food safety programs.
• Oversee and validate process controls for thermal processing, including retorts, UHT systems, and aseptic fillers.
• Collaborate with R&D and Operations on new product introductions, equipment commissioning, and validation.
• Oversee the Supplier Approval Program for relevant raw materials, packaging and suppliers.
• Provide technical input throughout all phases of New Product Development (concept through commercialization).
• Investigate customer complaints, identify root causes, and implement systemic improvements.
• Lead training and development of quality personnel in thermal processing and aseptic techniques.
• Stay current on industry trends, technologies, and regulatory changes in shelf-stable food manufacturing.
• Cross functional collaboration with Plant Quality, Regulatory, R&D, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.
• Will need to travel as requested, less than 20%.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of quality assurance experience in food manufacturing, with specific expertise in canning, UHT, and aseptic processing.
• Certified Process Authority or experience with thermal processing validation (retort, UHT).
• Better Process Control School (BPCS) certification
• Strong knowledge of FDA low-acid canned food (LACF) and aseptic regulations (21 CFR Part 113 & 114).
• Experience with GFSI schemes (SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000) and audit procedures.

Personal Characteristics:

• Ability to lead, coach, and develop salaried personnel including performing annual performance appraisals for all direct reports and key personnel
• Strong attention to detail, and capacity to multitask efficiently
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multi-site quality systems and teams.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.