Quality Systems Manager

The Quality Systems Manager will oversee the bakery quality systems and manage the food safety management and quality assurance (SQF) program of the industrial bakery in Newark, NJ and Clifton, NJ. This role requires the ability to plan, organize, schedule, and manage budgets in an efficient and productive manner while focusing on key priorities. The manager will effectively juggle multiple projects and anticipate reasonable contingencies, all while paying appropriate attention to detail.

Responsibilities:

- Oversees and maintains food safety and quality assurance programs, ensuring SQF compliance.

- Manages product and raw material hold-and-release processes as part of the food safety management strategy.

- Leads validation and verification activities to ensure both regulatory and operational compliance.

- Oversees the complaint program, providing weekly reports to management.

- Demonstrates sound judgment, balancing quick decision-making with thorough analysis.

- Anticipates the consequences of decisions and takes proactive measures.

- Identifies and seizes opportunities, consistently exceeding expectations.

- Effectively trains, mentors, and develops employees for current and future leadership roles within bakery quality systems.

- Assigns challenging tasks to support employee growth and professional development.

- Conducts comprehensive analysis of trends to identify opportunities and risks in food safety management.

- Serves as a backup for key roles, including HACCP Coordinator, FSPCA, SQF, and Internal Auditor.

- Manages employee disciplinary processes, including investigations and terminations.

- Provides support to senior management, serving as a backup to the Director of Quality and Quality Systems Supervisor.

- Supports crisis management efforts and assists in handling emergencies.

- Oversees environmental programs, including yeast & mold, listeria, salmonella, water, and air quality.

- Develops and manages the bakery’s training program to ensure compliance and operational excellence in food safety management.

- Ensures all water and air supply documentation is up to date, working closely with the maintenance department to implement a preventative maintenance program.

- Performs additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

- A minimum of three to five years’ experience in the food manufacturing (bakery) industry.

- Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, planning, and conflict resolution skills.

- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail with strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

- Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.

- Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

- Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and able to communicate with all levels of the business. Bilingual in English & Spanish is preferred.

- High tolerance for stress and ability to demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making under pressure.