Quality Assurance Manager

Job Description: Quality Assurance Manager - Food Manufacturing (Start-up Phase) Location: Pennsylvania, USACompany: Il PastaioDepartment: OperationsReports to: Plant Manager About Il PastaioIl Pastaio is a leading Italian manufacturer of premium potato-based gnocchi and fresh pasta, founded in 1983. With three production plants in Italy—including one dedicated to gluten-free products—the company serves both private label and own-brand markets under labels such as Il Pastaio, Patarò, and Patagnocco. The company is renowned for its flexibility, quality, and constant innovation, with a strong R&D focus, certifications (gluten-free, organic), and an annual production capacity of approximately 90,000 kg through 11 production lines.

Backed since May 2022 by Riverside Europe (a Private Equity firm), Il Pastaio is embarking on international growth, including the acquisition of Canuti Tradizione Italiana in Rimini. U. S. ExpansionIl Pastaio is currently developing its first North American manufacturing facility in Allenwood, Pennsylvania—a 71,300 sq ft plant in the Great Stream Commons business park, part of a $12. 5M investment expected to create around 75 jobs in Union County. The site is located in a Keystone Opportunity Zone.

Role OverviewThe Quality Manager is responsible for overseeing microbiological, chemical, and physical testing programs; validating sanitation and allergen controls; and managing the plant’s food safety and quality management systems. This role ensures that all quality procedures are implemented, maintained, and continuously improved.

Key ResponsibilitiesOwn and maintain the facility’s Food Safety Plan (FSP) including hazard analysis, CCPs, preventive controls, allergen management, environmental monitoring, and recall readinessLead daily operations of the Quality Assurance department including in-process inspections, finished product evaluation, hold/release decisions, and COA verificationOversee and validate microbiological and analytical testing for raw materials, environmental swabs, water samples, and finished goodsImplement and maintain robust systems for traceability, lot tracking, and product recallEnsure the facility is audit-ready at all times to meet government, customer, and global food safety certification requirements (SQF, BRCGS)Review quality data to identify trends and lead corrective and preventive actions using structured root-cause analysisReview and approve raw material specifications, label claims, formulation changes, and change controls in collaboration with R&D and Regulatory AffairsPartner with Sanitation and Maintenance to verify hygienic design, sanitation effectiveness, and allergen control validationDevelop and execute internal GMP audit programs, foreign material controls, and zone-based environmental monitoringTrain plant personnel on FSMA, HACCP, GMPs, CCP monitoring, and product safety fundamentals RequirementsBachelor’s Degree Advanced knowledge of HACCP, FSMA Preventive Controls, GMPs, and GFSI standards (SQF/BRC)Proven experience with regulatory inspections and third-party audit preparednessCompetency in food microbiology, sanitation chemistry, and environmental monitoring programsStrong ability to interpret lab data, identify trends, and translate them into operational improvementsSkilled in QMS platforms, and proficient in Microsoft Excel and statistical toolsEffective cross-functional leadership and capability development across QA and operationsWhat We OfferA pivotal role in launching our first U.

S. facility An international experience with exposure to Italian culture, values, and food manufacturing excellenceProfessional growth within a PE-backed international companyA people-focused culture committed to operational excellence and innovation