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Maryland Packaging

Food Safety Manager/ Quality Control Manager

Maryland Packaging, Arbutus, Maryland, United States

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Food Safety Manager/ Quality Control Manager Maryland Packaging

Location: Halethorpe, Maryland

Reports to: Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Job Overview Maryland Packaging and Clean Label Gourmet Foods is a leader in high‑quality clean‑label ready‑to‑eat meals. We are seeking a dynamic Head of Quality and R&D to lead our Quality Assurance and Food Safety programs, drive product innovation, and ensure safe, delicious, and sustainable food products.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Quality and Food Safety Programs: develop, implement, and manage comprehensive quality assurance and food safety programs, including hold and release, document control, customer complaints, allergen management, KPIs, and preventive control programs for clean‑label food production.

Drive Process Optimization: collaborate with cross‑functional teams to enhance quality systems, streamline processes, and improve efficiency, sustainability, and productivity.

Regulatory Compliance: ensure adherence to local, state, and federal regulations such as OSHA, FSIS, EPA, FSMA, and manage plant regulatory inspections and audits.

Develop and Train on SOPs: create and update standard operating procedures and train staff for consistent execution.

Customer Satisfaction: lead timely resolution of customer issues using effective root cause analysis to eliminate sources of dissatisfaction and enhance customer experience.

Sanitation Support: oversee verification programs for environmental monitoring, allergen control, pest control, and daily sanitation activities to maintain a hygienic production environment.

Lead R&D Initiatives: drive product innovation, develop new clean‑label product lines, and ensure successful commercialization of line extensions and new products while verifying safety and quality standards.

Data‑Driven Decision Making: utilize data analytics to monitor systems, forecast trends, and provide actionable solutions to enhance facility operations.

Reporting and Communication: deliver detailed daily, weekly, and monthly reports on critical KPIs to senior management and cross‑functional teams.

Team Leadership: mentor and develop the quality and R&D team to build bench strength and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Collaboration: build professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating business ethics and influencing outcomes.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Engineering, Microbiology, or a related technical discipline.

Experience: Minimum 5 years in food quality assurance and R&D, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within the food industry, preferably in clean‑label or ready‑to‑eat meal production. Recent experience in food manufacturing is required.

Certifications: SQF Practitioner and PCQI certifications required. Additional certifications such as HACCP, BRC, or food safety auditing are highly preferred.

Technical Expertise: proficiency in GMP, HACCP, sanitation, allergen management, and regulations such as FSMA, PMO, and CFR 21 Part 113.

Skills: exceptional organizational skills, strong communication, ability to lead cross‑functional teams, business acumen, and a track record of developing innovative strategies.

Leadership: positive, action‑oriented leadership with a high sense of urgency, accountability, and ability to mentor and develop teams.

Environment: experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting with knowledge of production processes and clean‑label food standards.

Work Environment and Expectations

Location: Based at our state‑of‑the‑art facility in Halethorpe, Maryland, with occasional travel for audits or supplier visits.

Work Hours: Salaried position requiring a minimum of 50 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate operational needs.

Environment: role includes time in a cold room environment to oversee production and quality processes.

Compensation: competitive salary range, with potential for higher pay based on experience, seniority, and certifications.

Why Join Maryland Packaging and Clean Label Gourmet Foods?

Impactful Leadership: shape the future of our quality and R&D programs while contributing to a growing leader in clean‑label foods.

Career Growth: opportunities for advancement in a rapidly expanding company committed to innovation and excellence.

Collaborative Culture: join a supportive, dynamic team that values accountability, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Mission‑Driven: be part of a company dedicated to producing safe, high‑quality, clean‑label meals that delight customers.

Application Process We prioritize candidates with SQF Practitioner, PCQI, and additional relevant certifications, as well as 3+ years of recent food industry experience in a leadership role. To apply, submit your resume and cover letter detailing your experience in food quality assurance, R&D, and certifications to [insert company website or application link, if available]. Highlight how your leadership has driven quality and innovation in the food industry, particularly in clean‑label or ready‑to‑eat meal production.

Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type Full‑time

Job Function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries Food Production

Company Description Maryland Packaging LTD – The Foundation: A state‑of‑the‑art food manufacturing and high‑pressure processing facility. SQF certified and operating under the highest safety, quality, and regulatory standards, we co‑pack and manufacture products for our own brands and partners nationwide.

Marwan’s Kitchen – The Flavor Hub: An in‑house consumer brand focused on chef‑inspired ready‑to‑eat and heat‑and‑serve meals, delivering high‑quality, flavorful, and convenient food.

Nosh Table & Thyme – The Elevated Experience: A premium, artisanal brand delivering gourmet prepared foods with fresh, clean, and wholesome ingredients, offering restaurant‑quality meals ready in minutes.

Our team culture values collaboration, innovation, and passion for food. We are committed to excellence, integrity, and respect for our partners and customers.

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