Job Title: Quality Manager

Department: Operations / Quality & Production

Reports To: Director of Quality

Location: Burlington, NC

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Company Background:

A leading manufacturer in the food & beverage industry, producing aerosol whipped cream, flavored drinks, freeze pops, and bottled water, including both branded and private-label products. The company is known for innovative product development, strong quality systems, and a large manufacturing footprint.

Position Opportunity:

You will lead all quality and production operational activities across multiple fronts—manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, and shipping. You’ll manage a sizable front-line team of 15-80 hourly associates (QC, manufacturing, warehouse, traffic) plus salaried staff as needed. You will drive operational efficiency, reduce cost, ensure food safety and compliance, and build a high-performance team. Strong preference is given to candidates with regulatory and quality experience (PCQI, HACCP, GFSI). Knowledge of the Alchemy system is a plus.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead quality operations across production, packaging, warehousing, and shipping functions.
• Perform item releases, review records, revise SOPs and production documents.
• Conduct sanitation and safety monitoring throughout the facility.
• Manage team training programs and supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards including HACCP and GFSI.
• Provide support and documentation during audits (internal and external).
• Identify root causes of quality issues, drive corrective actions (RCA).
• Maintain accurate inventory quality records and drive waste reduction.
• Coach, motivate and develop team members.
• Lead cross-functional improvement projects and collaborate with production, engineering, warehouse and logistics.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) required.
• Certifications preferred: PCQI, HACCP, GFSI.
• Experience: Minimum 2+ years in a manufacturing leadership role (food/beverage preferred). Supervisor or Lead candidate would be highly considered.
• Demonstrated experience with audits and regulatory compliance.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of regulatory standards, experience with TPM or Lean manufacturing, proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Travel: Local travel between sites within Alamance County.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand, walk, sit, use hands/fingers, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; communicate verbally; clear distance and color vision; peripheral and depth perception.