Quality Manager

job purpose:

The Quality Manager is a key member of the manufacturing leadership team and reports to the Senior Quality Assurance Manager. This role coordinates and oversees food safety and quality programs, supports the development and implementation of quality policies, and serves as backup to the Senior Quality Assurance Manager when needed. The Quality Manager manages laboratory testing programs, monitors costs against operating budgets, and develops internal quality assurance procedures in alignment with company standards.

responsibilities:

• Oversee and administer the daily management of the laboratory and Quality Supervisors.
• Ensure lab compliance with FDA, USDA (if applicable), PMO (Pasteurized Milk Ordinance), New York State dairy regulations, internal company standards, product specifications, and customer expectations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, calibration programs, and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Manage microbiological, chemical, and physical testing of raw milk, in‑process materials, and finished products.
• Review and approve test results, investigate deviations, and ensure timely communication of issues to operations and quality leadership.
• Manage sample plans, hold‑and‑release programs, and environmental monitoring activities as well as analyze laboratory data to identify trends, deviations, and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead or support root‑cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions and coordinate any deviation samples to be sent to the processing authority as well as any necessary in house deviation tests.

skills/qualifications required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Dairy, Food Science, or a related discipline.
• 5 years of experience leading people in a laboratory environment
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Proficiency in English: Comfortable with both written and verbal communication, including reading and writing
• Knowledge of FDA, local, State, Federal regulations for a dairy manufacturing facility.
• Ability to supervise and train staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.  
• Experience with GFSI schemes (FSSC 22000, ISO 9001 preferred)
• Strong understanding and experience with PMO, Better Process School, HACCP, and Preventive Controls (certification is a plus or ability to completed within 6 months of employment).

working conditions and physical requirements:

• 8 hours sitting/standing/walking
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Reaching/bending requirements (if any)
• Exposure to hazards (machinery, confined spaces, etc.)
• Specific atmospheric conditions

food safety requirements:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming products in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

how fairlife nourishes you:

At fairlife, we believe in better — and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

fairlife’s nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are — supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.

position location: Webster, New York

reports to: Senior Quality Assurance Manager

travel requirements: 10-15%

exempt/nonexempt: Exempt