FSQA Manager

Aspire Bakeries is a leading North American baking company with a strong presence in the specialty frozen baked goods market. We are committed to driving innovation, predicting consumer trends, and exceeding customer expectations.

The FSQA Manager will be responsible for ensuring food safety and quality across our operations, products, and customers. This includes developing and implementing best practices, policies, and programs to comply with regulatory agencies and meet our high standards.

• Drive continuous improvement in Food Safety and Quality Assurance by supporting bakery team goals and key performance indicator (KPI) achievement.
• Set challenging, reasonable performance expectations for microbiological performance, foreign material control, regulatory compliance, and Food Safety Plan programs.
• Responsible for the selection, motivation, and development of food safety and quality assurance personnel to ensure all positions are effectively staffed and managed.
• Reviews progress with Human Resources on an ongoing basis.
• Conducts timely formal performance evaluations for all direct reports, in addition to recommending developmental training.
• Responsible for implementing and improving standardized food safety and quality assurance policies, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls (HARPC), and Aspire Integrated Management System (AIMS).
• Responsible for clearly identifying and communicating Quality and Food Safety objectives to the bakery management and operations teams.
• Responsible for providing training, as needed, to bakery and Central Service personnel on quality, food safety, and basic food hygiene practices.
• Responsible for reviewing the effective completion of root cause analysis and corrective actions to all non-conformances at bakery level and non-conformances communicated by customers.
• Responsible for supporting bakery management teams in resolving food safety and quality nonconformities and implementing effective root cause analysis and corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Responsible for verifying the completion of ongoing finished product sensory evaluation reviews and identifying quality opportunities for improvement to bakery teams.
• Responsible for completion of independent food safety, GMP, and bakery hygiene gap assessments in the bakery, distribution centers, and supplier locations, as needed.
• Monitoring and oversight of bakery FSQA budgets, working in tandem with bakery controller(s).
• Provide support in preparation for and leading, as needed, during customer and third-party audits.
• Responsible for providing support and direction to bakeries in the implementation of AIMS programs and ETQ compliance platform.
• Responsible for verifying completion of bakery(s) FSQA Compliance Calendar(s).
• Responsible for supporting the updating and continuous review of existing Food Safety Plans to incorporate current GMP practices, prerequisite programs, Process Preventive Controls, Allergen Preventive Controls, Sanitation Preventive Controls, and Supply Chain Applied Controls.
• Responsible for supporting bakery Food Safety (HARPC) team in the evaluation and implementation of appropriate controls for biological, chemical (including radiological and allergens), physical, and economically motivated hazards to our foods.
• This includes consideration for the development of defect action limits, hygienic zoning, and adequate by-product controls.
• Responsible for the effective implementation and adherence to the Aspire Bakeries Recall and Traceability Program.
• Responsible for understanding all applicable food regulations (international, national, state, and local), leading bakery teams in meeting regulations, and effectively interacting with regulatory personnel.
• Responsible for understanding, implementation of, and leading the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Standard (e.g., BRC).
• Assisting bakery locations in recertification, and overseeing bakery preparations for customer and third-party audits.
• Routinely interfaces with key customers to preserve and enhance the image of the company as a competent supplier of quality foods exceeding their expectations.
• Responsible for assuring the bakery team effectively investigates customer/consumer complaints using root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive measures, and responding to complaints in the required timeframe, and analyzing complaint trends for continuous improvement.
• Supports new food development to ensure appropriate controls and inspections are in place for the successful launch of new foods (e.g., sampling, sensory, process controls, SPC, visual aid guides, spec development).

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Technology, or Food Science preferred or sufficient experience in the food industry to cover the technical skills needed.
• Minimum of 5 years comprehensive food processing, food safety, and quality experience with an extensive background in manufacturing food industry, HACCP, USDA, or FDA preferred.
• Training in HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points).
• Certified in a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standard such as BRC or SQF.
• Previous experience with GFSI, BRC, SQF, and/or USDA audits desirable.
• Understanding of microbiology, aseptic sampling, methods, and interpretation.
• Knowledge of food hygiene, hygienic zoning, cGMPs, and environmental monitoring.
• Good writing, statistics (SPC and charting), analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Proficient in computers, including spreadsheets, statistical programs, and SAP applications.

Salary Range: $93,000-$115,000

Aspire Bakeries LLC values the contribution each Team Member brings to our organization. The final determination of a successful candidate's starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, location, shift, education, skill, and experience within the job or the industry.

The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed in this specific job description. Additional pay may be determined for those candidates that exceed these specified qualifications and requirements.

We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs.

For union-represented postings, wage rates and ranges are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Aspire Bakeries is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.