QA Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly organized and technically adept QA Manager to oversee product quality systems while managing procurement, inventory, and supply chain operations. This position requires a bilingual (English & Spanish), proactive, detail-oriented professional with strong knowledge of food safety compliance, logistics coordination, and documentation. The ideal candidate is comfortable wearing multiple hats in a fast-paced environment and thrives on both structure and innovation. This positionwill lead Vollmer’s Bakery’s food safety and quality systems, ensuring full compliance with SQF 9.0, FSMA, and other regulatory and customer standards. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining our food safety and quality assurance programs across all bakery operations—from raw materials to finished product.

Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance

• Serve as Primary SQF Practitioner, PCQI, and Food Defense Coordinator, maintaining and improving all food safety and quality systems.
• Oversee compliance with SQF Code Edition 9.0 and local and federal regulatory standards.
• Write, update, and implement SOPs, GMPs, GLPs, and Food Safety Plans
• Lead the development, implementation, and management of the bakery’s Food Safety Plan, HACCP Plans, and prerequisite programs (e.g., sanitation, traceability, allergen control, calibration).
• Oversee label compliance, including development and verification of nutrition labels
• Manage document control systems, batch records, and SOPs, supporting the transition toward digital records and compliance.
• Lead and develop QA personnel, conducting training, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Conduct internal audits, manage CAPAs, and lead third-party audit preparation
• Maintain accurate quality records using QMS (GlobalBake), TraceGains, Repositrak, 1WorldSync
• Implement and maintain sample retention program and finished product validation protocols
• Submit weekly reports to leadership

Procurement & Inventory

• Oversee procurement of raw materials, packaging, and production supplies
• Create, submit, and manage purchase orders and vendor invoices
• Maintain accurate inventory levels through regular monitoring and reconciliation
• Coordinate inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring timely deliveries
• Track supply usage, identify shortages or overstock risks, and adjust purchasing accordingly
• Manage vendor relationships and maintain supply chain documentation (COAs)
• Use GlobalBake and inventory management systems to support traceability and compliance

1. SQF System Management

• Serve as the SQF Practitioner for the bakery, overseeing the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the SQF Food Safety Management System.
• Conduct regular internal audits, inspections, and reviews to ensure full compliance with SQF standards.
• Develop and update food safety and quality documents, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans, and food safety manuals.
• Lead the SQF certification process and manage external SQF audits, ensuring successful certification renewal.

2. Gluten-Free Certification & Product Oversight

• Implement and oversee Gluten-Free certification process, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and certification requirements.
• Monitor and verify the proper segregation of gluten-free ingredients and production areas to prevent cross-contamination.
• Collaborate with R&D and production teams to ensure gluten-free products meet both safety standards and consumer expectations for quality and taste.
• Conduct routine testing and verification of gluten-free product specifications, ensuring accurate labeling and traceability.

3. Food Safety & Quality Control

• Ensure labels are compliant, accurate, and create new labels for products in development.
• Perform regular product quality checks, including sensory evaluations, product consistency assessments, and compliance with ingredient specifications.
• Train and educate bakery staff on food safety practices, proper handling, and quality standards to maintain a culture of food safety.
• Manage non-conformance incidents related to food safety or quality and take corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for food safety inspections, product testing, and corrective actions.

4. Collaboration & Reporting

• Work closely with production and owner to implement preventive measures that ensure food safety and product quality.
• Provide regular reports to upper management on food safety and quality status, including audit results, corrective actions, and ongoing improvements.
• Stay up-to-date on relevant food safety regulations, SQF guidelines, and trends in gluten-free certification.

5. Procurement & Inventory Support

• Oversee ordering, receiving, and inventory tracking of raw materials, packaging, and production supplies to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Create and manage purchase orders, receive and verify deliveries, and coordinate with vendors to resolve issues promptly.
• Maintain inventory records within GlobalBake software, ensuring traceability and accuracy of materials.
• Support the implementation and maintenance of vendor approval programs and material specifications in alignment with quality standards.
• Assist in preparing shipping documentation for outgoing products.
• Monitor and optimize material usage and lead times, working closely with production to avoid shortages or overstock.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Nutrition, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in Quality Assurance / Food Safety within the food or bakery industry.
• Certified SQF Practitioner, HACCP, and PCQI.
• Familiarity with FDA, GFSI schemes, USDA Organic, Kosher, Gluten Free and other third-party certification requirements.
• Proven success hosting SQF, FDA, and customer audits.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• 3+ years of experience in supply chain, inventory, or procurement roles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), and experience with ERP systems
• Experience with TraceGains, Repositrak, QMS software, BasicSafe, and MyRecords
• Working knowledge of GMP, GLP, HACCP, SOPs, and regulatory standards
• Strong organization, documentation, and communication skills
• Ability to troubleshoot issues quickly and implement effective solutions
• Bilingual (Spanish and English)

Soft Skills & Attributes:

• Highly organized, reliable, and detail-oriented
• Strong time management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize
• Self-directed and resourceful with a continuous improvement mindset
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable interfacing with internal teams, vendors, and regulatory bodies
• Safety-minded and process-focused

Preferred Experience:

• Prior experience in a commercial bakery or baked goods manufacturing setting.
• Background with preventive maintenance programs, environmental monitoring, and equipment sanitation validation.
• Hands-on knowledge of shelf-life testing and allergen control.
• Experience managing QA processes across various bakery operations (e.g., mixing, baking, decorating, packaging).

Salary: $65,000 / year

• Paid bi-weekly
• Performance review will be conducted to determine a potential compensation adjustment and discuss growth opportunities after 90 days.

Benefits:

• Vollmer’s Bakery provides access to a health insurance plan. The company will cover 50% of the premium for individual employee coverage. Additional coverage options (e.g., spouse, dependents) are available at the employee’s expense.

90 Day Evaluation:

The first 90 days of employment will serve as a mutual evaluation period to assess fit and performance. At the conclusion of this period, a performance review will be conducted to determine a potential compensation adjustment and discuss growth opportunities.

At the end of the evaluation period, the employee will receive a formal performance review based on the criteria above. A compensation adjustment will be considered based on:

• Performance and execution of core responsibilities
• Impact on quality, safety, and efficiency
• SQF Audit Performance
• Procurement Performance
• Team fit and contribution to company culture
• Business needs and budget

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000 / year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• GFSI: 3 years (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

License/Certification:

• Safe Quality Food Certification (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Denver, CO 80216 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Denver, CO 80216: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person