Position Overview
The Production Quality Manager partners closely with operations to ensure build consistency and superior quality in fresh-cut and ready-to-eat product lines. This is a hands-on role, embedded in production, and focused on being a proactive advocate for quality. The ideal candidate confidently raises issues, drives solutions, and builds strong alignment with the floor team.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the quality connoisseur embedded within production operations.
- Monitor and ensure consistent quality builds that align with customer specifications.
- Develop, implement, and maintain QA programs and KPIs tailored to fresh-cut and RTE products.
- Collaborate with production, QA, supply chain, R&D, and sales to resolve issues and launch new products with quality built in.
- Lead investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective & preventive actions (CAPAs).
- Deliver training and coaching to production staff on quality standards and best practices.
- Analyze production quality data, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Facilitate quality-focused meetings, communicate metrics, and escalate concerns when needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s in Food Science, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years in food manufacturing, with at least 1 year in a leadership role, ideally in fresh-cut or RTE environments.
- Strong knowledge of food safety standards, GMPs, and QA systems.
- Hands-on, results-driven, and effective communicator—comfortable speaking up in any forum.
- Analytical with proficiency in Excel and ERP; BI tools like Power BI or Tableau are a plus.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
