Quality assurance specialist Jobs in Topeka, KS

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance & Food Safety Manager is responsible for leading all Quality Assurance (QA) laboratory operations and Food Safety functions at the manufacturing plant. This role oversees the supervision and development of salaried direct reports and ensures full compliance with company quality policies, procedures, and federal, state, and local regulatory standards for the production of food products.

This position holds the authority to halt production processes when product quality or food safety is at risk, and to evaluate and manage the disposition of ingredients, in-process materials, and finished goods in alignment with corporate QA guidelines. The role also provides technical support to plant operations, contributing to the development and execution of quality systems, training programs, audits, product launches, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Ensure full compliance with corporate quality and food safety standards, including all applicable regulatory requirements.

Oversee ingredient conformance through supplier approval, auditing, and both analytical and sensory testing.

Lead continuous improvement efforts in quality performance, focusing on key metrics such as RFT (Right First Time), consumer complaint reduction, and audit scores.

Manage food safety systems including HACCP, pest control, sanitation, and housekeeping, ensuring readiness for internal and external audits such as AIB.

Provide technical and troubleshooting support to operations, including participation in plant projects and run requests.

Approve final factory sign-off for new product and process launches.

Conduct performance evaluations and support the professional development of direct reports through coaching, training, and mentoring.