Quality Assurance Manager

Sierra Nevada Cheese is currently seeking a Quality Assurance Manager to join our team in Willows, CA. Who We Are: Sierra Nevada Cheese is dedicated to sourcing milk from local family dairies committed to pasture-based farming. Utilizing traditional processes, we craft wholesome dairy products ranging from butter to yogurt, cheeses, cream cheese, and more. Since our inception in 1997, we've experienced significant growth and invite you to join us on our journey. Learn more about our company at About the Role As the Quality Assurance Manager, you will oversee all aspects of quality control and assurance in our creamery production facility. You will manage compliance with food safety regulations, implement quality systems, and collaborate with production and sanitation teams to ensure product integrity from raw milk to finished goods. This role helps protect the handcrafted quality and honest food values we're known for — while ensuring we meet all regulatory standards with the same care we bring to every batch. Responsibilities Stay current with food safety regulations, dairy industry trends, and best practices. Develop, implement, and maintain the facility's Food Safety and Quality Management System, including HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs, and SOPs. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (FDA, USDA, FSMA) and third-party audit requirements (e.g., SQF, BRC). Lead a team of QA technicians and specialists in daily inspection, sampling, and testing activities. Maintain documentation and records related to food safety, quality, traceability, and corrective actions. Serve as the primary contact for all regulatory inspections (FDA, USDA, state health departments) and third-party audits (e.g., SQF, BRC, NSF). Coordinate all audit activities including scheduling, documentation review, plant walkthroughs, employee interview preparation, and corrective action follow-up. Lead quality training programs for staff to reinforce audit standards and food safety practices. Manage the investigation of customer complaints, product non-conformances, and coordinate root cause analyses and CAPAs. Monitor sanitation effectiveness and support environmental monitoring programs. Collaborate with R&D and Production on new product launches and process improvements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address non-conformances, implement corrective actions, and validate effectiveness. Monitor sanitation effectiveness and support environmental monitoring programs. Our Ideal Candidate Required: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, or a related field. 5+ years of QA experience in food manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a leadership role. Direct experience managing food safety and quality audits (regulatory and third-party). Strong working knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, FSMA, and relevant dairy production regulations. Excellent organizational and communication skills. Proficient in audit documentation, risk assessments, and root cause analysis. Preferred: HACCP Certification, SQF/British Retail Consortium (BRC) or equivalent Practitioner, PCQI, or similar. Experience with dairy plant inspections (FDA/USDA), especially in cheese or cultured products. Background in successfully managing and passing GFSI audits (e.g., SQF, BRC). Familiarity with digital QMS and audit tracking tools. What We Offer: Competitive pay; Starting from $120,000-$150,000 BOE Benefits package includes health, dental, and vision plans, 401k matching etc. How to Apply: If you meet the qualifications and are interested in joining our team, please submit your resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation to For any inquiries about the job please contact Job Type: Full-time Pay: $120, $150,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location: In person