_{05th October, 2026}

Our client in Western NY is looking for a Quality Manager to join their team!
 
This is an onsite/full-time/direct-hire position
Salary based on experience: Up to $125K + Bonus Opportunity
 
Summary
The Quality Manager owns food safety, quality, and plant Health & Safety performance for our client's manufacturing operation. This role leads the Quality team, holds primary responsibility for maintaining SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification and NSF compliance, and drives the plant's Health & Safety program alongside traditional quality control and assurance duties. The Quality Manager is a strong communicator and analytical thinker who partners across Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and R&D to keep our client is audit-ready, safe, and continuously improving — delivering consistent, high-quality gum products that meet customer and regulatory expectations.
 
Responsibilities
Food Safety & Quality Systems (SQF Management)

• Own and maintain the facility's SQF certification, serving as the site's SQF Practitioner.
• Lead preparation for and participation in SQF audits (announced, unannounced, and recertification), and own timely closure of any findings.
• Maintain SQF System documentation, HACCP plans, and food safety plans in current, audit-ready condition.
• Drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) programs to resolution and verify effectiveness.

 
NSF & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure ongoing compliance with NSF requirements applicable to our client's products, equipment, and facility.
• Monitor evolving FDA, USDA, ISO, and HACCP regulations and translate changes into plant practice.
• Own product and label compliance reviews in partnership with R&D and Sales.

 
Health & Safety Leadership

• Own the plant's Health & Safety program: policies, training, PPE compliance, and safety audits.
• Lead incident investigations and root-cause analysis; drive corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Partner with Maintenance and Engineering on machine guarding, LOTO, and other safety-critical compliance.
• Track and report safety KPIs (e.g., recordable incident rate, near-misses) and lead a proactive safety culture across shifts.

 
Quality Control Leadership

• Oversee the Quality Control team; set clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability for each team member.
• QC technicians and the Sanitation team report directly to the Quality Manager.
• Develop and maintain quality control procedures and policies to ensure consistent product quality.

 
Quality Assurance Management

• Maintain a quality assurance program that monitors the manufacturing process end-to-end.
• Conduct audits and inspections to confirm compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and identify improvement opportunities.

 
Product Quality Management

• Define and maintain quality standards, specifications, and testing protocols for raw materials, in-process components, and finished product.
• Understand and manage the microbiological program and testing methodology for raw materials and finished
  product.
• Analyze quality data and implement CAPA to resolve non-conformances or deviations.

 
Supplier Quality Management

• Partner with Purchasing to evaluate and approve suppliers based on quality performance and capability.
• Conduct supplier audits and drive resolution of supplier quality issues.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with Production and Engineering to optimize processes and protect consistent product quality.
• Identify and lead continuous improvement projects using structured problem-solving (root-cause analysis,
  Lean/Six Sigma tools) to improve quality and operational efficiency.

 
Training, Communication & Culture

• Train staff on quality procedures, food safety requirements, and safety protocols.
• Communicate quality, food safety, and safety performance clearly to plant leadership, cross-functional teams,
  and external auditors or customers.
• Build a plant-wide culture of quality, food safety, and continuous improvement.
• Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and make recommendations for compliance and safety.

 
Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare regular quality and safety performance reports for senior management.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready records of quality control and food safety activities.

 
Environmental Compliance

• Ensure the plant adheres to applicable environmental laws, regulations, and permits.
• Obtain and maintain environmental permits; prepare and submit required environmental reports.
• Develop waste management plans that minimize waste, promote recycling, and ensure proper disposal of
  hazardous materials.
• Monitor air emissions and water discharges for compliance with applicable limits.
• Develop and coordinate environmental emergency response plans.

 
Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Proven experience in quality control and assurance within food manufacturing; gum production experience a
  plus.
• Required certifications: SQF Practitioner, HACCP, and PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual).
• Working knowledge of NSF standards and requirements.
• Demonstrated experience managing a plant Health & Safety program.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems (HACCP, GMP).
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong communicator, able to clearly convey quality, food safety, and safety information to cross-functional
  teams, senior leadership, and external auditors.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis capabilities.
• Continuous improvement mindset; Lean or Six Sigma training preferred.
• Detail-oriented and committed to maintaining high standards of quality.

 
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
 
We are an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual based on race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws.

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