Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager

Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager - Full Time

Toft Dairy 3717 Venice Road, Sandusky, OH 44870 Schedule Monday - Friday, 7:00AM to 3:30PM reporting to Plant Manager

The Food Safety & Quality Manager is responsible for overseeing all food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance programs within the facility. This role plays a critical part in maintaining product integrity, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, and supporting plant operations through strong leadership, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Operational Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Food Safety Plan, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality documentation
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local food safety regulations, including proper documentation and recordkeeping
• Coordinate and lead internal and third-party food safety and quality audits and report results to plant management
• Partner with plant leadership to assign audit responsibilities and serve as the primary contact during external audits
• Lead employee food safety, quality, and compliance training programs
• Develop and implement workplace health and safety initiatives
• Manage and investigate customer complaints, including corrective actions and report issue to plant management
• Perform microbiological testing (e.g., aerobic plate counts, coliforms)
• Conduct allergen residue testing and verification
• Receive and test raw milk samples for antibiotics (upon ODA certification)
• Collect environmental and equipment samples for testing
• Inspect processing areas and equipment for sanitation and compliance
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and testing data
• Perform lab equipment calibration and verification activities
• Enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) across the facility
• Manage nonconforming products and complete root cause investigations
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the laboratory
• Order and manage laboratory supplies and materials
• Follow all company safety policies and procedures
• Collaborate with Toft's Farm Surveyor to monitor and address problems for raw milk producers (raw milk quality, farm cleanliness, etc)
• Partner with plant leadership to reinforce food safety culture, documentation discipline, quality awareness and compliance accountability
• Assist with additional duties as assigned

Physical and Work Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the facility for extended periods
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders as needed
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Work in wet environments and occasionally in cooler and freezer conditions
• Exposure to food allergens including milk, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat (gluten), and soy
• Occasional exposure to cleaning chemicals and sanitizers
• Ability to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required (Food Science, Dairy Manufacturing, or related field preferred)
• Experience in food manufacturing or related industry highly preferred
• HACCP and/or GFSI certification(s) or experience strongly preferred
• PCQI certification highly desired
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and quality systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to learn new systems quickly
• Strong communication skills across all levels of the organization
• Solid math skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide using various units of measure)
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Must pass all pre-employment screenings including drug, background, and criminal checks

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive full-time pay with consistent hours
• Medical insurance with prescription coverage
• Supplemental benefits including dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• 401(k) with company match

About Toft Dairy:

For over 125 years, Toft Dairy has proudly served customers within an approximately 150-mile radius of our Sandusky plant. As Ohio's oldest dairy, our legacy is built on a commitment to quality, customer service, and forward-thinking principles.

We believe in our One Quality, One Team philosophy and value employees who contribute to our continued growth and success. If you are dependable, hardworking, and ready to thrive in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply.