Product Quality Manager

BrightFarms is The Place to Grow!

At BrightFarms, we're on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we don't just want to grow great tasting greens, we want them to do good as well: for the planet, for the health of people, and for the well-being of our employees. We give BrightFarmers the tools, training, support, and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people, they do good for the world.

BrightFarms is a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of eight high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms.  From seed to leaf we grow lettuce smarter, with less space, no pesticides and protected inside, so it's better for the planet and way better for humans. BrightFarms' fresh lettuce options, from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits, are available in more than 4,500 retail stores across the East Coast, Midwest, and South.

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Product Quality Manager to build and manage quality and food safety programs across our farm operations. This role will focus on building and maintaining robust quality inspection programs to ensure the consistent production of safe, high-quality leafy greens and products. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food safety and quality systems, exceptional leadership and analytical skills, and the ability to travel to BrightFarms' facilities to support our operations.

Specifically, you will:

• Develop, implement, and manage a quality inspection programs that monitors product quality throughout operations, including:

• Build a shelf-life production validation and verification program that monitors shelf-life of BrightFarms products

• In-line Sampling program that offers real-time response to quality issues

• Batch testing program to ensure compliance with label claims and customer specifications

• Supplier In-bound inspection program to ensure ingredients meet specifications

• Work with Technology team to develop data visuals to analyze quality data and trends to identify areas for improvement and drive continuous improvement initiatives

• Lead company-wide root cause investigations and recommend corrective and preventive actions

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Research and Development, Operational Excellence, Agriculture, Marketing and Production, to align on quality goals, investigations, and the implementation of new QMS programs

• Support in investigating and responding to customer and consumer quality complaints, ensuring resolution and implementing actions to prevent recurrence

• Provide training to employees on food safety and quality protocols to promote awareness and accountability of QMS programs

• Support in the development and implementation of other compliance and food safety programs, SOPs, policies, trainings, etc

• Drive a culture of food safety and quality that distinguishes BrightFarms as an industry leader

The ideal candidate:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Operations Management, Agriculture, Quality Management, Microbiology, or a related field
• Experience with ISO, lean manufacturing, and/or GMP process improvements
• Minimum 5 years of experience building and/or managing quality management systems in food manufacturing, fresh produce, or similar industries
• Minimum 7 years of experience in food safety programs, including a strong knowledge of food safety standards, including HACCP, SQF, FDA FSMA regulations, and GMPs
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop teams in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
• Certification in HACCP, SQF Practitioner, PCQI, or similar is preferred
• Proficient in data analysis. Experience building and managing data visualization tools (ex. Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, etc.)

Preferred qualifications:

• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills. Ability to perform root cause analysis and recommend appropriate corrective and preventive actions
• Continuous improvement mindset in manufacturing environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively
• Collaborative and adaptable, with a commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture
• Strong decision-making and critical thinking skills

Environment/Working Conditions/Travel/etc.

• Combination of office and production floor environments (including refrigerated and greenhouse growing areas)
• Requires flexibility to respond to quality issues outside of regular business hours
• Travel is required 25%-50% to BrightFarms' locations

BrightFarms is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.