Quality Assurance (QA) Manager

The Job

As the Quality Assurance (QA) Manager at Little Sesame, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of quality and food safety across all stages of our manufacturing process. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations, you will lead the QA program  and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to implement and maintain robust quality systems. Your expertise will be essential in upholding our commitment to excellence and meeting regulatory requirements in the production of our hummus products.

Key Responsibilities

1. Quality Management Systems (QMS): Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive QMS procedures to ensure compliance with GFSI & regulatory standards (FDA, USDA, etc.) and industry best practices.
2. Quality Assurance Leadership: Work with the operations teams to create programs and procedures that fulfill SQF standards for Little Sesame production. Train the production team to execute quality objectives & procedures
3. Supplier Quality Management: Oversee supplier qualification processes consistent with GFSI standards, including but not limited to: certification and record keeping, supplier improvement programs, and supplier audits.
4. Production Quality Control: Implement and monitor quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process, including incoming inspection, in-process checks, and finished product testing. 
5. Food Safety Compliance: Ensure adherence to HACCP principles and other food safety regulations by conducting risk assessments, establishing preventive controls, maintain records, and managing corrective actions.
6. Continuous Improvement: Work with company leadership to identify opportunities for process optimization, affording efficiency gains and improvement of the food quality & safety system through data analysis, root cause investigation, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
7. Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of quality-related activities, prepare regulatory submissions, and generate reports for internal stakeholders and regulatory agencies as required.
8. Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with R&D, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to support new product development, scale-up initiatives, and the introduction of process innovations.
9. Audits and Inspections: Coordinate and lead internal audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections, ensuring readiness and compliance with audit requirements.
10. Relationship Management with HPP Tollers: Collaborate with external partners, including High Pressure Processing (HPP) tollers, to ensure the integrity of our products during processing and packaging. Establish and maintain strong relationships with tolling partners and ensure compliance with quality and food safety standards throughout the tolling process.
11. Certification Management: Lead efforts to obtain and maintain all relevant certifications, including Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, Upcycled, and any other certifications deemed necessary for our products. Develop and implement procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with certification requirements, coordinate certification audits, and manage documentation to support certification renewal processes.
12. Training and Education: Provide training and education to employees on quality-related topics, including GMPs, SOPs, and food safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• PCQI Certification
• 3+ years of experience in quality assurance and food safety management within the food manufacturing industry preferred (not necessary). 
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations (FDA, USDA, etc.) and quality management standards (HACCP, SQF, ISO, etc.).
• Experience with self-manufacturing operations and familiarity with CPG manufacturing processes, particularly in the production of refrigerated foods.
• Proven track record of implementing and managing quality systems, conducting risk assessments, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and levels of the organization.

Benefits

• Salary range is $80-110K; salary commensurate with experience.
• Stipend for health insurance
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid family leave
• Opportunity for career growth and development in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Relocation option available

At Little Sesame, we are passionate about crafting exceptional hummus products while fostering a culture of teamwork, innovation, and integrity. Join us in our mission to delight consumers with delicious, high-quality food experiences. Apply now to be part of our growing team! Email cover letter and resume to work@eatlittlesesame.com. 

LS is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from people of color, bilingual and bicultural individuals, people who have experienced poverty, women, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical status.