Job Summary:

The Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager is responsible for ensuring that all beef processing operations comply with USDA, FSIS, HACCP, and other food safety regulations while maintaining the highest quality standards. This role oversees food safety programs, sanitation procedures, and quality assurance protocols to ensure compliance with industry regulations and customer expectations. The FSQA Manager will work

closely with operations, regulatory agencies, and customers to uphold product integrity, safety, and quality throughout the beef production process.

Key Responsibilities:

Regulatory Compliance & Food Safety:

• Ensure compliance with USDA-FSIS regulations, HACCP, SSOPs, and GMPs in all beef processing operations.

• Maintain and manage HACCP plans, microbiological testing programs, and pathogen control measures (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7).

• Serve as the primary liaison with USDA inspectors and auditors, addressing concerns and implementing corrective actions.

• Oversee compliance with FSMA, GFSI (SQF/BRC), and customer food safety requirements.

Quality Assurance & Product Integrity:

• Monitor beef quality standards from carcass to finished product, ensuring consistency and adherence to specifications.

• Develop and enforce specifications for raw materials, processing, and packaging to meet customer and regulatory expectations.

• Lead pre-operational and operational inspections to verify sanitation effectiveness and prevent contamination.

• Investigate and resolve customer complaints related to food safety and quality.

Leadership & Training:

• Train and supervise FSQA team members in HACCP, GMPs, and proper handling of beef products.

• Conduct ongoing employee training programs on food safety, cross-contamination prevention, and sanitation.

• Work closely with production, maintenance, and sanitation teams to implement food safety best practices.

Audits, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement:

• Lead third-party and internal audits, ensuring facility readiness for USDA, customer, and certification audits.

• Maintain detailed documentation and record-keeping to demonstrate compliance and support traceability efforts.

• Analyze trends in microbial testing, foreign material incidents, and quality control metrics, recommending improvements.

• Stay up to date with industry regulations and emerging technologies to enhance food safety and quality programs.

Qualifications & Skills:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Microbiology, or a related field.

• 5+ years of FSQA experience in beef processing or meat production required.

• In-depth knowledge of USDA-FSIS regulations, HACCP, SSOPs, and GMPs.

• Experience with pathogen control (E. coli, Salmonella), carcass grading, and meat quality assurance.

Certifications & Knowledge:

• HACCP and PCQI certification required.

• Experience with GFSI standards (SQF, BRC), third-party audits, and regulatory inspections.

• Familiarity with microbiological testing, shelf-life studies, and foreign material control programs.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to train and mentor employees on food safety and quality procedures.

• Experience working with beef fabrication, slaughter, or further processing.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management software.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, depending on facility needs.

Work Environment:

• Beef processing facility setting, requiring time on the production floor.

• Exposure to cold environments, raw meat products, and high-volume processing equipment.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends or shifts as needed.

• Some travel may be required for audits, supplier visits, or training sessions.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

Benefits package: H, D v short term disability medical portion – 2 through United Healthcare – Base $1,500 deductible, or the buy up plan for $500 deductible – Additional for Family100% paid voluntary benefits paid by employeeBonus: Based on annual salary % of wage

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Seattle,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 19, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent

• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection

• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes

• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.