Product Quality Assurance / Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager

Job Title - Product Quality Assurance / Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager

Category: Non-IT
Function: Quality Assurance / Food Safety
Industry: Food Manufacturing
Key Background: Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Biology
Location: Sterling, VA – On-site

Key Responsibilities

Quality Assurance & Food Safety

·       Support FSQA programs and ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

·       Maintain strong knowledge of GFSI certification standards, including SQF, BRC, and ISO 22000.

·       Support quality initiatives within a food manufacturing environment.

·       Identify quality risks, investigate issues, and implement corrective and preventive actions.

Product Development & Commercialization

·       Collaborate with R&D teams to support product development and commercialization processes.

·       Participate in product trials, validations, and manufacturing evaluations.

·       Provide quality input throughout product lifecycle activities.

·       Support continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality and manufacturing processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

·       Partner with R&D, operations, production, and other internal teams to drive quality objectives.

·       Lead and support quality-related projects while maintaining effective communication across departments.

·       Provide technical guidance and problem-solving support for quality challenges.

Documentation & Compliance

·       Review and maintain quality documentation, procedures, and records.

·       Support audits, certifications, and compliance activities.

·       Ensure products meet customer, regulatory, and internal quality standards.

Required Qualifications

·       Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related technical field with 4–6 years of food manufacturing experience, or

·       Graduate degree with 2–4 years of relevant industry experience.

·       Minimum 2 years of FSQA and cross-functional leadership experience.

·       Strong experience working in a food manufacturing environment is required.

·       Working knowledge of GFSI certification standards such as SQF, BRC, and ISO 22000.

·       Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills.

·       Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

·       Experience supporting product development and commercialization activities.

·       Experience working in USDA-regulated food manufacturing environments.

·       Experience with sous vide food manufacturing processes.

·       Strong technical knowledge of food safety and quality systems.