Quality Control Microbiologist Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Description

QA Manager-Hickmans

Purpose and Scope/General Summary: We are looking for a Quality Assurance Manager to join our Hickman’s Family Farms team in AZ! The Quality Assurance Manager has primary responsibility for the direction of the workforce to achieve all safety, animal welfare, food safety, export, and quality goals as set forth by the company.  This position is responsible for the supervision of Food Safety and Quality (FSQA) personnel, and oversee quality and food safety aspects of processing and live production. Responsible for product specifications testing, food safety systems, process improvements and quality programs within the plant and live operations. 

Responsibilities:

• Run quality control area and delegate tasks within the area
• Organize and train all people within the quality assurance area
• Implement government mandates regarding quality control and food safety in all areas of the plant and live operations
• Maintain effective communication channels between government and plant officials
• Monitor all government regulations, programs, and policies regarding food safety both inside and out of the plant (FSIS, USDA, FDA, etc.)
• Keep employees focused on HACCP and GMP procedures
• Track microbiological trends, sanitation program performance, and product shelf life within plant and communicate results to plant team members and senior management.
• Create and write quality control programs to be implemented plant and company wide
• Adhere to specific customer request and specifications in reference to quality of products
• Develop and organize different means of evaluating product quality and then develop better ways to produce products
• Knowledge, background and expertise in egg/poultry operations is critical.  Areas of knowledge must include HACCP, specification adherence to incoming raw materials, ingredient and allergen control, chilling, styling & packaging specs, packaging modified atmosphere characteristics, final box/package configuration and shelf-life
• Evaluate sanitation and pest & rodent contractor’s performance to ensure they are completing their jobs in a safe, effective and professional manner
• Prepare, implement and monitor standard operating procedures for each production/processing area in the plant and barns
• Constantly review and update product quality control programs
• Manage special projects regarding quality and food safety for the plant and live operations
• Work tasks fluctuate demanding on the direction of government officials, plant/barn conditions, and business objectives
• Responsible for ensuring that all areas of the plant/barns are properly sanitized
• Conduct department meetings on a regular basis
• Coordinate efforts implementing new products/process with respective parties (i.e. engineering, production, management, maintenance)
• Develop, maintain and implement any programs relating to customer, or 3rd party requirements, to include leading audits and maintenance of BRC certification
• Monitor, track and evaluate all SPC programs mandated relative to customer requirements or plant performance  
• Work closely with operations to ensure regulatory compliance, customer specifications and performance metrics are maintained

• Responsible for maintaining the facility “audit ready” at any given time, in more specific terms: customer audits

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: 

• B.S. in Animal Science, Meat Science, Food Science or related science discipline preferred   

• Minimum 4-7 years’ experience in quality assurance within the food industry strongly preferred.

• HACCP certification
• Processing and Live Production Experience.
• Egg Production Experience preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Statistical/Math background
• Basic computer skills
• Strong Math skills
• Ability to review and analyze large amounts of data and identify trends.
• Knowledge, background and expertise in case ready operations is critical.  Areas of knowledge must include HACCP, specification adherence to incoming raw materials, trimming, chilling, styling & packaging specs, packaging modified atmosphere characteristics, final box/package configuration and shelf-life.

• Can perform the functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation 
• As a salaried position with the company, you may be required to travel at some point to other facilities, to attend Company events, or as a representative of the Company in other situations. Unless otherwise specified in this posting, the amount of travel may vary and the most qualified candidate must be willing and able to travel as business needs dictate.

The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following compensation and benefits:

• Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
• Paid Time Off: sick leave, vacation, and 6 company observed holidays;
• 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule;
• Base salary range of $90,000-$110,000
• Incentive Pay: This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s annual bonus plan, the amount of bonus varies and is subject to the standard terms and conditions of the incentive program; and  
• Career Development: Our company is dedicated to supporting professional growth by offering continuous learning opportunities and a focus on career growth through various learning and development programs.

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in states where it is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for any given position, compensation ranges are specific to those states and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to a candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiencies for the role.

The posted salary range represents the Company’s good faith estimate of the compensation that the Company reasonably expects to pay for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, qualifications, tenure, internal equity, market data, and may vary accordingly.

This position does not have an application deadline. We will continue to recruit until the position has been filled.   

The Company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct drug, alcohol, and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. 

About us: In 2025, MTQ USA acquired Hickman’s Egg Ranch, based in Buckeye, Arizona. MTQ USA is an egg production and distribution company created through a joint venture between the Pinto Family - founders of South America’s largest egg producer, Mantiqueira - and JBS N.V., one of the world’s leading food companies. Headquartered in Greeley, Colo., MTQ USA leverages global expertise, operational scale, and deep industry knowledge to deliver high-quality egg products to customers nationwide. The company is committed to responsible operations, long-term growth, and building a best-in-class platform in the U.S. egg industry.

Our mission: To be the best in all that we do, completely focused on our business, ensuring the best products and services to our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers, profitability for our shareholders and the opportunity of a better future for all of our team members.

Our core values are: Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, Sincerity

EOE, including disability/vets 

Unsolicited Assistance: JBS and its companies do not accept unsolicited assistance from any recruitment vendors for any of our open jobs. All resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee at JBS and its companies or via the applicant tracking system, in any form without a valid written request and search agreement previously approved by HR, will be solely owned by JBS and its companies. No fees will be paid should the candidate be hired by JBS and its companies because of an unsolicited referral.