Quality Assurance Director/Manager

Quality Assurance Director/Manager

Company: Reed’s Inc.

Location: Norwalk, Connecticut

Job Type: Full-time, On-Site

Reports to: VP of Operations

Position Overview

Reed’s Inc. is seeking a Quality Assurance (QA) Director/Manager to lead and oversee all aspects of quality control, food safety, and compliance within our beverage production processes. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing quality assurance programs that ensure our products meet the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction. The QA Director/Manager will collaborate with manufacturing, R&D, supply chain, and regulatory teams to drive continuous improvement and ensure consistent product quality. Some travel involved.

Key Responsibilities

Quality & Food Safety Program Management

Develop and implement quality control and assurance systems to ensure product consistency and compliance with FDA, FSMA, SQF, HACCP, and GMP standards.

Oversee food safety protocols, risk assessment, and preventative measures to eliminate contamination and quality issues.

Lead third-party audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections to maintain compliance with industry and governmental requirements.

Establish and monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and HACCP plans for all production facilities.

Product Quality & Continuous Improvement

Develop and execute testing protocols for raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods to ensure consistency in taste, texture, and safety.

Partner with Research & Development (R&D) to implement new formulations, ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining Reed’s premium beverage quality standards.

Utilize root cause analysis (RCA) and Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) plans to address quality issues and drive continuous improvement.

Oversee product sensory evaluation programs and manage customer complaints to improve product satisfaction.

Supplier & Co-Manufacturer Quality Oversight

Establish and maintain supplier quality assurance programs to ensure that ingredients and packaging meet Reed’s standards.

Conduct vendor and co-manufacturer audits to ensure adherence to company specifications and food safety regulations.

Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams to assess ingredient quality, manage risks, and optimize supplier relationships.

Regulatory Compliance & Certification Management

Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, FSMA, GFSI, and other regulatory agencies relevant to the beverage industry.

Maintain certifications such as SQF (Safe Quality Food), Kosher, Organic, NonGMO, and other industry standards as required.

Stay up to date with industry regulations and emerging quality trends to proactively adjust policies and procedures.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Lead, mentor, and develop the quality assurance team, ensuring alignment with company objectives.

Collaborate with operations, production, supply chain, and R&D to support new product launches, process improvements, and operational efficiency initiatives.

Serve as the primary liaison for quality-related matters, including customer inquiries, recalls, and internal communications.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

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

10+ years of experience in quality assurance, food safety, or compliance within the beverage or food industry.

5+ years in a leadership role managing quality assurance teams.

In-depth knowledge of FDA, FSMA, HACCP, SQF, GMP, and GFSI regulations and requirements.

Experience with third-party audits, regulatory compliance, and certification programs.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with expertise in root cause analysis and corrective action plans.

Proficiency in quality management systems (QMS) and statistical process control (SPC).

Exceptional communication and leadership abilities, with experience working cross-functionally.

Preferred:

Master’s degree in Food Science, Quality Management, or a related field.

Certifications such as SQF Practitioner, HACCP Certified, PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual).

Experience with contract manufacturing environments and supplier quality management.

Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.