Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager (FSQA) – USDA Meat Processing – Direct Hire

Location: Los Angeles, California

Job Type: Full-Time (Direct Hire)

Schedule: Standard business hours with production support responsibilities as needed

SALARY RANGE

$130,000–$140,000 per year depending on experience and qualifications

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, retirement plan, and paid time off

JOB SUMMARY

An established protein processing and distribution operation in the Los Angeles area is seeking an experienced Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager to lead plant food safety programs, regulatory compliance systems, and quality operations within a USDA-regulated environment.

This leadership role oversees food safety and quality activities across processing and distribution functions, ensuring compliance from raw material receiving through finished product shipment.

The FSQA Manager serves as the primary site leader for HACCP programs, regulatory inspections, audit readiness, supplier compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Lead plant food safety and quality assurance programs across processing and distribution operations

- Maintain compliance with USDA/FSIS regulations, FSMA requirements, and HACCP systems

- Oversee implementation of GMPs, sanitation programs, allergen controls, environmental monitoring, and food defense programs

- Maintain labeling compliance, traceability systems, and regulatory documentation

- Serve as primary contact during USDA inspections and regulatory interactions

- Lead preparation for customer, internal, and third-party food safety audits

- Support SQF or other GFSI-recognized certification programs

- Investigate customer complaints, product deviations, and nonconformance events

- Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)

- Oversee microbiological testing and verification programs

- Maintain and test product recall readiness procedures

- Manage supplier approval and verification programs

- Oversee incoming raw material inspections and vendor compliance

- Supervise and develop QA and QC personnel

- Train production staff on food safety procedures and regulatory expectations

- Promote a strong food safety culture across operations

REQUIREMENTS

- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Animal Science, or related field, or equivalent experience

- 5–7+ years of FSQA leadership experience in food manufacturing

- Strong knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, and regulatory compliance systems

- Experience supporting regulated food production environments

- Ability to lead food safety programs in a production setting

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience in meat, poultry, or protein processing environments

- Experience supporting USDA-inspected facilities

- Experience managing SQF or other GFSI certification programs

- Experience leading audit readiness programs and regulatory inspections

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Position includes time in both office and production environments, including refrigerated processing and cold-storage areas typical of protein processing operations. Exposure to food production equipment, noise, and temperature-controlled environments should be expected.

WHY APPLY

- Direct-hire leadership opportunity

- Competitive compensation package

- Established production environment with regulatory oversight responsibility

- High-impact role supporting plant food safety and compliance systems

- Opportunity to lead audit readiness and continuous improvement initiatives

Apply today to learn more about this Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager opportunity in Los Angeles, California.