Food Safety Quality Assurance Manager

LocationBuena Park, California (on‑site manufacturing/roasting/seasoning facility)Reports to: COOCompany OverviewIsland Snacks is a premium snack foods company specializing in premium nuts, trail mixes, candies and chili‑coated treats. We source directly from growers, perform in‑house roasting, seasoning and blending to tightly control consistency, flavor profile and freshness. Our mission is to deliver “Quality in Every Bite” — combining bold flavors with high‑quality ingredients and tight process control. The QA Manager will play a key role in maintaining and elevating our quality systems, food safety standards, regulatory compliance and product consistency across our snack lines.Job PurposeThe QA Manager ensures that all products leaving the facility meet or exceed internal quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory obligations (FDA, FSMA, GFSI). This role will drive the development, implementation and continuous improvement of quality assurance and food safety programs across roasting, seasoning, blending, packing and distribution operations.Key Responsibilities- Improve the Quality Management System (QMS).- Oversee food safety programs including HACCP/PCQI, allergen control, sanitation verification, GMPs, and environmental monitoring.- Manage raw material quality, supplier qualification, and inspection processes.- Oversee in‑process and finished product quality control.- Lead investigations for quality incidents, non‑conformances, and CAPA.- Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, GFSI, and FSMA regulations.- Train staff on GMPs, HACCP, allergen awareness, and quality standards.- Define KPIs and quality dashboards for management review.- Conduct supplier and internal audits, manage audit responses.- Collaborate cross‑functionally with production, procurement, logistics, and R&D.QualificationsEducation:- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).- Certifications: HACCP Lead, PCQI, SQF Practitioner, or equivalent.Experience:- 3+ years in food manufacturing QA management (snacks/nuts/confectionery preferred).- Proven record leading QA/food safety teams, audits, and CAPA systems.Skills:- Deep knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, FSMA, allergen control, and sanitation.- Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills.- Proficient in ERP/Power BI/QMS software.KPIs- Customer complaint rate per million units- Supplier non‑conformance rate- Internal audit score improvements- CAPA closure rate- Cost of poor quality (COPQ)- Allergen/foreign‑material incident rate (target: zero)Working Conditions- On‑site role at Buena Park facility.- Requires periodic shift support and production floor presence.- Occasional travel to suppliers and third‑party labs.- Hands‑on in manufacturing environment (heat, dust, nuts/seeds).Why This Role MattersAt Island Snacks, every snack reflects our brand promise of premium, fresh, flavorful quality. The QA Manager safeguards that promise by ensuring regulatory compliance, protecting product integrity, and enabling scalable, high‑growth production.Application InstructionsSubmit resume, cover letter, and three professional references. Include current salary, target salary, and earliest start date.Island Snacks is an equal opportunity employer.