Reports To: FSQA Director

Location/Schedule: On-site (mid-shift)

Role Summary

The Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) Supervisor leads a frontline FSQA team in an FDA‑regulated facility to execute established food safety and quality programs, maintain compliance with 21 CFR Part 117 (cGMPs and Preventive Controls), and support production in meeting daily/weekly targets. The role focuses on scheduling, coaching, verification activities, accurate documentation, and timely issue resolution while coordinating with Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, and Procurement.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of FSQA technicians/inspectors; run shift huddles, assign coverage, and approve timecards and routine overtime.
• Execute and verify cGMPs (Subpart B) and preventive controls programs (Subparts C & G as applicable), including sanitation preventive controls and allergen control; maintain complete and accurate records.
• Conduct routine pre‑op, operational, and post‑op inspections; document nonconformances and ensure timely corrections.
• Perform line checks (labeling/allergens, lot codes, net contents, metal detection/X‑ray where applicable); place product on hold when criteria are not met; release within defined limits or escalate to the FSQA Manager.
• Support environmental monitoring (EMP) for pathogens/indicators; initiate immediate containment and corrective actions; document CAPA and escalate significant issues.
• Verify calibration of instruments (thermometers, scales, metal detectors); maintain verification logs and request service as needed.
• Coordinate readiness for customer/third‑party audits and FDA inspections; host auditors on shift and close routine findings per guidance from the FSQA Director.
• Train and coach team members and production associates on cGMPs, allergen control, sanitation, and quality standards; maintain training matrices and certification records.
• Investigate routine quality defects and food safety deviations on shift; identify probable causes and implement short‑term fixes; support root‑cause analysis led by the FSQA Director.
• Ensure batch/lot traceability and documentation accuracy; complete mock‑recall/trace exercises as assigned; support timely record retrieval.
• Track consumables (swabs, reagents, labels) and request replenishment to avoid stockouts.
• Prepare daily FSQA reports and shift handoffs; update dashboards for throughput, defects, and compliance checks.
• Support continuous improvement (5S, Kaizen); surface larger improvement opportunities and policy changes to the FSQA Manager.
• Enforce company policies and safety rules; document incidents and recommend disciplinary action when needed.

Key Metrics

• Record completion/accuracy for cGMP and preventive controls verification
• Audit/inspection results; number of repeat findings
• First‑pass quality; defect/rework rates
• Hold & release cycle time; labeling/allergen error rate
• EMP pass rate and corrective action closure timeliness
• Training completion and on‑time recertifications
• Attendance and schedule adherence for the FSQA tech team

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of food manufacturing FSQA or production experience, including lead or supervisory responsibility.
• Working knowledge of 21 CFR Part 117 (cGMPs & Preventive Controls), allergen control, sanitation, and basic microbiology; experience with customer standards/third‑party schemes (e.g., SQF/BRCGS) preferred.
• Strong coaching, communication, and documentation skills; proficient with basic spreadsheets and QMS/LIMS or ERP systems.
• High school diploma/GED required; AA/BS in Food Science, Biology, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Preferred/plus: HACCP certificate; PCQI or internal auditor training.

Working Conditions

• Plant‑floor environment with required PPE; frequent standing/walking, occasional lifting up to [50] lbs.
• Shift‑based role with possible weekends/holidays to support production.