FSQ Senior Lead - Mon.-Fri., 8:00am - 4:30pm

DescriptionOverview:
The Food Safety & Quality Department Lead is responsible for overseeing daily food safety and quality operations within the meat packing facility. This role ensures that all products meet regulatory, customer, and company standards. The Department Lead supervises QA technicians, coordinates inspections, and supports compliance with USDA, HACCP, and GMP requirements. This position plays a key role in maintaining product integrity and driving continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

Lead daily food safety and quality activities across production areas, ensuring compliance with USDA, HACCP, SSOP, and GMP standards.
Supervise and schedule QA technicians; provide training, coaching, and performance feedback.
Conduct routine inspections and audits of processing areas, equipment, and personnel practices.
Monitor and verify critical control points (CCPs) and preventive controls; ensure proper documentation.
Investigate product deviations, non-conformances, and customer complaints; assist in root cause analysis and corrective actions.
Review production and sanitation records for accuracy and completeness.
Support internal and external audits, including USDA, GFSI, and customer audits.
Collaborate with production, sanitation, and maintenance teams to resolve quality and safety issues.
Maintain and update SOPs, policies, and training materials related to food safety and quality.
Promote a culture of food safety and continuous improvement throughout the facility.

QualificationsSkills and Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Microbiology, or related field preferred.
3–5 years of experience in food safety or quality assurance, preferably in meat processing.
Strong knowledge of USDA regulations, HACCP, SSOPs, GMPs, and food safety auditing.
HACCP certification required; SQF, BRC, or other GFSI scheme experience is a plus.
Proven leadership and team management skills.
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management systems.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Sufficient written communication and reading skills
Ability to operate or to quickly learn equipment
Good time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
Ability to follow directions
Ability to assess products for quality compliance

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics & physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Use of person protective equipment (PPE) required.
Noise level is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area – earplugs are required in some areas
Must be able to remain in a stationary position during the shift, using repetitive motion
Must be able occasionally lift, push, pull and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds across the plant for various needs
Spends time in cold environments
Must have good hand/eye coordination

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.