Food Safety Manager

Company: LHH US
Location: Akron
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description LHH Recruitment Solutions is seeking a Food Safety Manager. This role is responsible for leading all food safety and quality programs within a USDA-regulated manufacturing environment. The Food Safety & Quality Manager ensures the facility maintains an audit-ready culture, meets all regulatory and customer requirements, and operates with a strong focus on developing people and strengthening the overall QA function. The position requires a blend of technical expertise, regulatory fluency, leadership capability, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams. Primary Responsibilities Food Safety and Quality Systems Oversee the Food Safety Management System, including HACCP, Preventive Controls, SSOPs, allergen programs, traceability, sanitation verification, environmental monitoring, and supplier quality. Validate and verify CCPs and Preventive Controls; analyze trends using quality metrics and SPC tools. Direct daily inspections, corrective actions, and quality checks throughout production. Regulatory and Audit Compliance Act as the plant's main contact for USDA/FSIS, facilitating daily interactions, supporting regulatory reviews, and responding to noncompliance records. Train and manage internal auditors and oversee audit schedules and corrective action closure. Leadership and Team Development Train, mentor, and grow QA team members through structured coaching, skill-building activities, and performance feedback. Create development plans, assess competency gaps, and build succession strength across shifts. Foster a reliable, collaborative, and accountable culture by modeling clear communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Cross-Functional Collaboration and Continuous Improvement Partner with Operations, Sanitation, Engineering, R&D, and Procurement to proactively integrate quality into every stage of production. Support product and process changes, new product introductions, trial runs, and change control review. Lead root-cause investigations, implement corrective and preventive actions, and champion continuous improvement projects. Risk Management, Documentation, and Reporting Conduct and maintain risk assessments for allergens, foreign materials, and environmental controls. Oversee training compliance and documentation accuracy across systems such as QMS, ERP, and LIMS. Publish regular quality performance reports with data-driven insights and proposed actions. Qualifications Required Minimum of 5-8 years of QA experience in food manufacturing with responsibility for plant-level food safety systems. Demonstrated experience hosting or leading USDA/FSIS audits. Proven success in people leadership, coaching, and development. HACCP certification and PCQI credential. Knowledge of GFSI schemes (SQF/BRCGS), FSMA, 9 CFR, GMPs, sanitation standards, CAPA, statistical process control, and environmental monitoring. Proficiency with documentation systems, quality analytics, and standard office software. Preferred Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Animal Science, or a related field. Lead Auditor certification or similar qualifications. Experience in high-care, high-risk, or ready-to-eat environments. Familiarity with unionized production facilities. Performance Measures USDA and third-party audit outcomes, including nonconformances and audit readiness. Quality KPIs such as complaint rates, rework, micro/EMP trends, and first-pass quality. CAPA timeliness and effectiveness. Employee development metrics including training completion, skill improvement, and retention. Working Conditions On-site position requiring regular presence on the production floor, including cold, hot, or wet environments. Occasional off-shift or weekend support may be required. Ability to walk or stand for extended periods and lift moderate weights as needed. Pay Details: $90,000.00 to $110,000.00 per year Search managed by: Crystal Root Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled Military connected talent encouraged to apply To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate -privacy The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable: The California Fair Chance Act Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Keywords: LHH US, Tuscaloosa , Food Safety Manager, Science, Research & Development , Akron, Alabama