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Food Qa Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director, Food Quality Assurance Store Support Center We are searching for an experienced Director, Food Quality Assurance for our StoreSupport Center located at 600 Citadel Drive, Commerce, CA ...

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Food Qa information

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$38K

$118.1K

$179K

How much do food qa jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for food qa in the United States is $118,074.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $144,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food Qa vs Food Quality Inspector?

AspectFood QaFood Quality Inspector
CertificationsFood safety certifications, HACCP trainingFood safety certifications, HACCP training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, food processing facilitiesManufacturing plants, food processing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageFood production companies, quality assurance teamsFood production companies, quality control departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding quality assurance roles in food industryInspecting and ensuring food quality standards

Food Qa and Food Quality Inspector roles often overlap in certifications and work environments, focusing on maintaining food safety and quality standards within food production facilities. While Food Qa may encompass broader quality assurance responsibilities, Food Quality Inspectors typically focus on inspecting products for compliance. Both roles are essential for ensuring safe, high-quality food products in the industry.

What are some typical challenges faced by Food QA professionals, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Food QA professionals often encounter challenges such as keeping up with evolving food safety regulations, managing tight production schedules while maintaining quality standards, and effectively communicating with cross-functional teams. Addressing these challenges involves staying updated on industry regulations through continuous learning, implementing robust quality control systems, and fostering open communication with production, R&D, and supply chain teams. Proactive problem-solving and adaptability are also key, as issues can arise unexpectedly and require swift, practical solutions to ensure food safety and compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food QA (Quality Assurance) specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food QA specialist, you need a background in food science or a related field, strong analytical skills, and knowledge of food safety regulations. Familiarity with quality management systems (such as HACCP, ISO 22000), laboratory equipment, and audit procedures is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help ensure compliance and foster teamwork. These skills are critical for maintaining food safety standards, preventing contamination, and ensuring consumer trust in food products.

Is HACCP QC or QA?

In a Food QA role, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is part of quality control (QC) processes that focus on identifying and managing food safety hazards. QA (Quality Assurance) involves broader system oversight, including verifying that HACCP plans are properly implemented and maintained. Both QC and QA are essential in ensuring food safety and compliance with industry standards.

What does a food QA do?

A food QA (Quality Assurance) professional ensures that food products meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards. They inspect ingredients, monitor production processes, conduct tests, and document compliance to prevent contamination and defects, often using tools like inspection checklists and quality management systems.

What are Food QA professionals?

Food QA (Quality Assurance) professionals are responsible for ensuring that food products meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards throughout the production process. They develop and implement quality control procedures, conduct inspections, and monitor compliance with food safety regulations. Food QA specialists also investigate issues, manage documentation, and work closely with production teams to maintain product consistency and prevent contamination. Their work is crucial for protecting consumers and upholding the reputation of food manufacturers.

What is the highest paying job in food?

In the food industry, executive chef or culinary director roles tend to be among the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve managing large kitchens or restaurant groups.

Is QA a difficult job?

A Food QA (Quality Assurance) role involves inspecting food products, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and documenting quality issues. The job requires attention to detail, knowledge of food safety regulations, and sometimes certification, but its difficulty depends on the complexity of the products and company standards.
More about Food Qa jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Qa jobs? Cities with the most Food Qa job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Qa jobs? The most popular types of Food Qa jobs are:
What states have the most Food Qa jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Qa jobs include:
Director, Food Quality Assurance

Director, Food Quality Assurance

Smart and Final

Commerce, CA • On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Smart & Final rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 139 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 115 rated grocery stores


Job description

Director, Food Quality Assurance
Store Support Center

We are searching for an experienced Director, Food Quality Assurance for our StoreSupport Center located at 600 Citadel Drive, Commerce, CA, 90040.
SUMMARY
TheDirector, Food Quality Assurance directs, facilitates and leads the QualityAssurance Team in the development and maintenance of an enterprise-wide qualityassurance system for corporate brand products by performing the followingduties personally and/or with other team members.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES ANDRESPONSIBILITIES includethe following. Other duties may be assigned or required:
  • Directs and coordinates the development of Quality Assurance Team goals and objectives in harmony with company-wide and corporate procurement goals and objectives.
  • Provides technical expertise and assists in store associate training, establishment of sales materials, procedures and guidelines as it relates to company-wide food safety HACCP-based programs and compliance to State and Local agencies and Health Departments, FDA, USDA and EPA regulations.
  • Provide technical expertise and assists in the establishment of food safety and HACCP programs in all operating companies.
  • Performs the duties of quality assurance liaison with government agencies. Coordinates action necessary with regards to proposed and new regulations and policies issued by State and local Health Departments, US FDA, USDA, EPA, and Department of Commerce as it relates to foodservice and retail food industry.
  • Ensures that Quality Assurance Department capabilities are in-step with technological advances in food science and other industry-related programs. This includes associate developmental training, Quality Assurance Manual maintenance and QA lab test equipment upgrade.
  • Provides technical expertise as a member of company Product Recall Task Force. Writes and updates Product Recall Standard Operating Procedure. Coordinates the issuing of company-wide Product Removals and Product Recalls.
  • Provides technical direction in new product development to ensure proper positioning of corporate brand products relative to pre-determined tiers and/or brand.
  • Ensures that applicable packaging and labeling meet US FDA, USDA, Department of Commerce, EPA, and State regulatory requirements. Responsible for EPA submittal and maintenance of corporate brand product registration in states where products are sold.
  • Directs action to be taken when customer complaints are received on both national brand and private label products. Provides technical expertise to Customer Relations Coordinator in response to customer requests. Coordinates with vendor on corrective action to be taken. Liaison for legal, risk management, operations, warehouse and buying.
  • Writes and implements quality assurance procedures for monitoring corporate brand standards in all warehouses. Provides direction in rejection of product that are not in compliance with established Smart & Final Product specifications and/or government standards.
  • Establishes product specifications for corporate brand products and ensures that they are updated relative to target brand trends.
  • Ensures that corporate brand products and vendors meet regulatory, food safety and Smart & Final requirements. Establishes guidelines and writes procedure for vendor manufacturing facility inspections and approves vendors as potential corporate brands suppliers.
  • Develops materials and participates in product information seminars and cuttings for sales associates.
  • Participates in Corporate Procurement Team activities.

SUPERVISORYRESPONSIBILITIES
Directs the Corporate Brands Team - Quality Assurance.Carries out leadership responsibilities in accordance with company policies andapplicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and trainingassociates; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance;rewarding and disciplining associates; addressing complaints and resolvingproblems. Employs facilitation skills to ensure team success.
EDUCATION and/orEXPERIENCE
BA/BSin food science/chemistry/related field and a minimum of 8 to 10 years managerialexperience of a quality assurance function in a corporate brands setting orrelated field or equivalent combination education and experience.
OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:
Must have validdriver's license and ability to drive vehicle.
COMPENSATION: The salary range for this position is$140,000.00 to $160,000.00. The actual starting pay will be determined by anumber of qualifications; including, experience and relevant skills.
Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) toall employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color,religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

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