First Search Inc. · 12 hours ago
Quality Assurance Manager
Mobile, AL
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
10+ years expFirst Search Inc. is a company focused on quality and food safety in manufacturing. They are seeking a Quality Assurance Manager responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory and customer quality requirements, driving continuous improvement, and fostering a culture of food safety.
Staffing & Recruiting
Hiring Manager
Sarah Katz
Responsibilities
Partners with plant leadership to ensure full commitment and accountability to quality assurance and food safety programs. Promotes a proactive, engaged quality culture throughout the facility
Collaborates with leadership to enhance sanitation practices and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), ensuring all sanitation and housekeeping standards are upheld
Establishes internal audit patterns, develops corrective action plans, and monitors results. Reviews programs annually to ensure compliance with GFSI, BRC, AIB, and customer standards
Prepares the facility for third-party and regulatory food safety audits, ensuring readiness at all times
Integrates HACCP and FSMA principles into production processes, ensuring alignment with preventive controls and risk-based food safety programs
Conducts root cause and preventive action analyses for customer complaints and production failures, driving continuous improvement
Establishes and manages the Quality department budget and tracks performance metrics including MBOs and KPIs
Ensures the accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of all QA procedures, including microbiological, chemical, and organoleptic testing, facility inspections, and inventory management
Leads the QA and Sanitation teams through coaching, performance management, and professional development to maintain high standards of performance and accountability
Acts as the primary contact for USDA and FDA inspections, maintaining open communication and positive relationships with regulatory representatives
Oversees daily laboratory activities and QA documentation, including SSOP, SOP, HACCP, internal audit, and chemical/microbiological records. Maintains lab inventory and ensures all necessary supplies are on hand
Carries out other duties as assigned by the Director of Quality Assurance & Food Safety
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree required
Minimum 10 years of experience in the food industry, including at least 5 years in a quality management role
Strong understanding of food safety regulations and compliance requirements (FDA, USDA, FSMA, HACCP, GFSI)
Certified Internal Auditor with hands-on auditing experience
Proven success hiring, leading, and developing high-performing teams
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions
Must be able to work in a food manufacturing facility, including exposure to allergens, strong odors, and temperature extremes (e.g., -30°F blast freezer, 100°F cook room)
Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work
Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally
Preferred
Master's degree preferred
Experience with document management systems and supply quality programs preferred
Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent) a plus
Company
First Search Inc.
For over 40 years, First Search has transformed how companies hire (and how candidates get selected) with results that outpace the industry norms for companies like Motorola, T-Mobile, Pulte Homes, Fluor Corporation, and Salesforce partners.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Allen Katz
Chief Employment Officer (CEO)
Company data provided by crunchbase