Job Description

Food Safety Manager
Location: Greater Railegh NC
Salary: $120,000 - $135,000 (commensurate with experience; relocation assistance available)

About the Role:
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Food Safety Manager to lead our food safety and quality assurance programs in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. This critical role involves ensuring compliance with all regulatory, audit, and customer-specific requirements while fostering a strong food safety culture within our organization. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in aseptic processes, SQF systems, and the enthusiasm to thrive in a startup-like setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of food safety and quality assurance programs in compliance with FDA, SQF, and GFSI standards.
• Lead and prepare for an upcoming SQF audit in January, ensuring readiness across all operational levels.
• Manage and build a robust FSQA team through mentoring, training, and performance evaluations.
• Conduct internal and external audits, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Collaborate with production and sanitation teams to maintain high-quality standards and operational excellence.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis, process evaluation, and root cause analysis.
• Monitor regulatory compliance, including HACCP, PCQI, and GMP programs.
• Support the environmental monitoring program and oversee raw material, in-process, and finished product testing.
• Lead the team in addressing product or process failures with prompt corrective action while minimizing production downtime.
• Promote a strong food safety culture throughout the organization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in food safety and quality assurance, preferably in aseptic or hot fill operations.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams in a laboratory or plant environment.
• HACCP and PCQI certification required; SQF Practitioner certification preferred.
• Strong knowledge of FDA, SQF, GFSI, and other regulatory standards.
• Exceptional problem-solving and investigative skills.
• Experience in startup environments or the ability to thrive in a dynamic, evolving organization.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and team-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with knowledge of statistical process control being a plus.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive compensation: $120,000 - $135,000 , with potential for higher for exceptional candidates.
• Opportunity to work in a fast-growing, innovative company that values quality and sustainability.
• A chance to make a tangible impact on food safety and quality standards.
• Relocation assistance available to support your transition.

Ready to Lead the Future of Food Safety?
If you’re passionate about food safety, driven by challenges, and eager to make a difference, apply today! Let’s shape a safer, healthier future together.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.

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