Quality Assurance Manager

Description

Believer Meats, formerly known as Future Meat Technologies, is a cultivated meat company excited to scale to feed the world. Driven by a mission to ensure that all future generations can enjoy real and delicious meat, Believer's technology and process will make meat accessible and affordable to all.

Summary of role and team:

As the Quality Assurance Manager in our food processing facilities, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the highest quality and food safety standards are maintained throughout our production processes. You will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating quality assurance collaborating with quality control. The ideal candidate will possess a robust background in maintaining hygiene standards, implementing food safety and quality compliance and management systems, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations within the food industry.

Your day-to-day

QA Operations:

• Develop and implement comprehensive quality assurance policies and procedures to ensure product safety, consistency, and compliance with regulatory standards.

• Lead implementation and improvement quality management supporting digital platforms

• Establish and maintain food safety and quality processes and plans throughout the cultivated meat production process, from cell culture to final product packaging (e.g, investigations, corrective actions, change management)

• Conduct regular inspections and audits of manufacturing facility to identify areas for improvement and ensure adherence to quality standards.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, research and development, and regulatory affairs, to address quality issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

• Serve as the key point of contact for regulatory agencies and external auditors during inspections and audits.

• Respond promptly to quality and safety-related issues, troubleshoot problems, and implement effective solutions.

• Collaborate with external vendors for specialized QA services and repairs.

• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes related to cultivated meat production, and incorporate best practices into quality assurance programs.

Team Management:

• Build and supervise a small team of QA technicians, providing day-to-day guidance and oversight.

• Lead factory food safety/ HACCP team.

• Work closely with QC Manager to ensure alignment of QA/QC policies and initiatives

• Foster a culture of food safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within the QA department.

• Develop and oversee food safety training programs for production staff to ensure understanding and compliance with regulations and quality assurance protocols.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Manage and maintain documentation related to quality assurance activities, including batch records, standard operating procedures, and regulatory filings.

• Monitor and analyze quality metrics and performance indicators to identify trends, anticipate potential issues, and implement corrective actions.

Budget Management

• Support Senior Director of Factory Quality in developing and managing the QA budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.

• Source and procure necessary QA tools, equipment, and supplies.

Requirements

The Ideal candidate

• Bachelor's degree in food science, biology, microbiology, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 4 years experience in QA in food production, brewing, or pharmaceutical industry.

• Working knowledge of QC in food production and experience collaborating with QC teams

• Experience in meat processing, thermal processing, freezing and chilling, and fermentation is a plus.

• Strong understanding of food safety regulations, including HACCP, FSMA, and GMPs.

• Current HACCP and PCQI certification

• Experience with regulatory requirements for food processing facilities (e.g.,FDA, USDA).

• Experience implementing SQF or FSSC22000 food safety management systems.

• Experience implementing quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) is desirable.

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

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Prior experience in cultivated meat production or cell-based agriculture is a plus.

• Track record of leading and coaching personnel, a solid understanding of technical aspects in food manufacturing, and familiarity with codes, regulations, SQF, HAACP, and other relevant standards.