Village Gourmet
Village Gourmet is seeking a QA Manager for our Longhini Sausage Plant in New Haven, CT!
Overview
The Quality Assurance Manager ensures that all sausage manufacturing processes meet the highest standards of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. This role oversees QA programs, manages audits, and leads a team dedicated to continuous improvement in product quality and plant sanitation.
Key Accountabilities
Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Oversee implementation and maintenance of HACCP, SQF, USDA, FDA, and other regulatory requirements.
Ensure compliance with customer specifications, industry standards, and company policies.
Prepare and lead external regulatory and customer audits.
Quality Management & Continuous Improvement
Develop and maintain quality programs, SOPs, and documentation to support consistent product quality.
Analyze quality performance data to identify trends and implement corrective/preventive actions.
Partner with Operations and R&D to drive process improvements.
Team Leadership & Training
Supervise, coach, and develop QA technicians and staff.
Provide training on food safety, sanitation, and quality systems across departments.
Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and quality ownership at all levels.
Sanitation & Plant Standards
Oversee sanitation programs, ensuring compliance with microbial and allergen control requirements.
Conduct regular facility inspections and maintain readiness for audits.
Partner with Maintenance and Production teams to address root causes of sanitation issues.
Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as primary quality liaison with customers and suppliers.
Investigate customer complaints and ensure timely resolution.
Support cross-functional initiatives to meet customer expectations and business goals.
Skills & Qualifications Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field.
5+ years of progressive QA experience in food manufacturing, with at least 2 years in management.
Strong knowledge of HACCP, SQF, USDA, and FDA regulations.
Proficiency in root cause analysis, corrective action, and continuous improvement tools.
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Preferred:
Sausage or meat processing industry experience.
PCQI and SQF Practitioner certifications.
Experience with ERP or QA software systems.
Work Schedule & Job Details
Full-time, typically Monday–Friday, with flexibility for evenings/weekends as needed for audits or production support.
On-site position at [Insert Facility Location].
Minimal travel ( Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with variable temperatures (cold, refrigerated, and hot conditions).
Standing, walking, and climbing stairs for extended periods.
Lifting up to 25 lbs occasionally.
Use of PPE including hairnets, gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection as required.
Outcomes (What Success Looks Like)
Facility maintains SQF certification and passes audits with minimal findings.
Customer complaints reduced year-over-year through proactive QA initiatives.
QA team engagement and retention remain high, with strong performance across audits and inspections.
Continuous improvement projects lead to measurable gains in quality, efficiency, and safety.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
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Key Accountabilities
Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Oversee implementation and maintenance of HACCP, SQF, USDA, FDA, and other regulatory requirements.
Ensure compliance with customer specifications, industry standards, and company policies.
Prepare and lead external regulatory and customer audits.
Quality Management & Continuous Improvement
Develop and maintain quality programs, SOPs, and documentation to support consistent product quality.
Analyze quality performance data to identify trends and implement corrective/preventive actions.
Partner with Operations and R&D to drive process improvements.
Team Leadership & Training
Supervise, coach, and develop QA technicians and staff.
Provide training on food safety, sanitation, and quality systems across departments.
Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and quality ownership at all levels.
Sanitation & Plant Standards
Oversee sanitation programs, ensuring compliance with microbial and allergen control requirements.
Conduct regular facility inspections and maintain readiness for audits.
Partner with Maintenance and Production teams to address root causes of sanitation issues.
Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as primary quality liaison with customers and suppliers.
Investigate customer complaints and ensure timely resolution.
Support cross-functional initiatives to meet customer expectations and business goals.
Skills & Qualifications Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field.
5+ years of progressive QA experience in food manufacturing, with at least 2 years in management.
Strong knowledge of HACCP, SQF, USDA, and FDA regulations.
Proficiency in root cause analysis, corrective action, and continuous improvement tools.
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Preferred:
Sausage or meat processing industry experience.
PCQI and SQF Practitioner certifications.
Experience with ERP or QA software systems.
Work Schedule & Job Details
Full-time, typically Monday–Friday, with flexibility for evenings/weekends as needed for audits or production support.
On-site position at [Insert Facility Location].
Minimal travel ( Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with variable temperatures (cold, refrigerated, and hot conditions).
Standing, walking, and climbing stairs for extended periods.
Lifting up to 25 lbs occasionally.
Use of PPE including hairnets, gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection as required.
Outcomes (What Success Looks Like)
Facility maintains SQF certification and passes audits with minimal findings.
Customer complaints reduced year-over-year through proactive QA initiatives.
QA team engagement and retention remain high, with strong performance across audits and inspections.
Continuous improvement projects lead to measurable gains in quality, efficiency, and safety.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
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