QA Manager

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Title: QA Manager
Job Description

The QA Manager develops, implements, and maintains comprehensive Quality Assurance and Food Safety programs to ensure safe, compliant, and high-quality food products. This role leads the QA team, oversees all quality control activities, manages audits and regulatory inspections, and drives continuous improvement across the facility. The QA Manager works closely with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues, support new product development, and ensure adherence to industry and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain robust Quality Assurance and Food Safety programs, including HACCP, Preventive Controls (FSMA), GMPs, and GFSI-based standards such as SQF and BRCGS.
• Lead and manage the QA team by providing coaching, training, performance feedback, and professional development to build a high-performing department.
• Oversee all aspects of quality control, including inspection and testing of incoming raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods, as well as final product release.
• Manage and host third-party certification audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections conducted by agencies such as the FDA, USDA, and state authorities.
• Investigate customer complaints, non-conformances, and product quality issues; develop and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Ensure accurate and complete documentation, record-keeping, and traceability throughout the production process to support regulatory and customer requirements.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Sanitation teams to resolve quality issues and drive process improvements.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using root cause analysis tools and data-driven decision-making to enhance product quality and process efficiency.
• Develop, monitor, and analyze key quality metrics (KPIs) and regularly report performance and trends to senior leadership.
• Oversee laboratory operations, including calibration of instruments, validation and execution of testing methods, and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable food safety regulations, allergen control programs, and environmental monitoring requirements, including gluten-free production protocols.
• Manage the hold-and-release program for raw materials and finished goods to ensure only compliant products are released.
• Support new product development and commercialization by providing quality and food safety input throughout the development, trial, and launch phases.

Essential Skills

• 5–8+ years of progressive Quality Assurance experience in food manufacturing, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Strong working knowledge of HACCP, FSMA Preventive Controls, GMPs, and GFSI schemes such as SQF and BRCGS.
• Proven experience successfully managing regulatory audits, including FDA and USDA inspections, as well as third-party certification audits.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate a high-performing QA team.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with demonstrated capability in root cause analysis and data-driven decision-making.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with quality management software.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends or off-shifts as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Certified in HACCP is highly preferred.
• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification is highly preferred.
• SQF Practitioner certification or equivalent GFSI-related credential is highly preferred.
• Background or coursework in Chemistry, Food Safety, and Quality Control is beneficial.
• Experience working with environmental monitoring programs and allergen control, including gluten-free production protocols.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory operations, including calibration, testing methods, and equipment maintenance.

Work Environment

This role is primarily based on the production floor within a food manufacturing facility, requiring regular presence in processing and packaging areas. The QA Manager works a Monday through Friday schedule on first shift, with the ability to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends or off-shifts as needed to support audits, production schedules, or urgent quality issues. The environment involves close collaboration with Production, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Sanitation teams, and regular interaction with laboratory equipment, testing instruments, and quality management systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Omaha, NE.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $56.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Omaha,NE.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.