Operational Food Safety & Quality Manager

SUMMARY

The Operational Food Safety Quality (FSQ) Manager - Converting oversees the FSQ function at Sartori’s converting facilities to ensure the consistent production of safe, high-quality cheese products. This role is responsible for leading site quality teams, ensuring compliance with internal standards, customer expectations, and regulatory requirements. Leveraging continuous improvement and quality management tools, the role ensures sustainable quality programs are embedded across all sites. The position also collaborates cross-functionally with Operations, Sales, and Customer Success.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

 

• Leads and develops the converting quality team to ensure alignment with food safety and quality standards.
• Provides strategic guidance and leadership to Operations on regulatory, customer, and internal FSQ requirements.
• Supports and maintains Quality Management Systems to meet internal and customer standards during the cheese conversion process.
• Facilitates root cause analysis using statistical process controls, A3 problem-solving, and other CI tools to resolve quality issues.
• Oversees implementation and compliance with the Sartori Quality System and SQF certification requirements.
• Engages in proactive communication with Sales and Customer Success to address and resolve customer needs or concerns.
• Collaborates cross-functionally to define and integrate quality expectations into new products and processes.
• Leads and supports customer, third-party, and regulatory audits, site visits/tours, and inspections.
• Establishes and reports operational FSQ metrics, providing monthly updates to Sartori leadership.
• Escalates food safety and quality issues promptly to the VP of Food Safety & Quality and site leadership for corrective action.
• Acts as a backup to the Sartori Whey (SW) Converting FSQ Manager to fulfill responsibilities during absences.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, life sciences, or related field (and/or equivalent experience) is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive FSQ experience in the dairy industry, preferably in both manufacturing and converting environments.
• Working knowledge of regulatory requirements (i.e. FDA, USDA, State, etc.)
• Strong understanding of plant QA systems (i.e. HACCP, Environmental Pathogen Monitoring, Pest Control, etc.)

 

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

 

• Leadership and Team Development – Inspires, guides, and develops individuals and teams to achieve high performance; models company values and fosters a culture of accountability and trust.
• Communication – Clearly and effectively conveys information across all levels of the organization; actively listens and adapts messaging to diverse audiences.
• Organizational and Project Management – Prioritizes and manages multiple initiatives with strong attention to detail, timelines, and resource alignment to meet business objectives.
• Analytical and Critical Thinking – Gathers and interprets data to identify trends, assess problems, and support logical, evidence-based decisions.
• Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement – Uses structured tools such as A3, SPC, and root cause analysis to identify solutions and drive sustainable improvements.
• Decision-Making – Makes timely and sound decisions based on data, stakeholder input, and business goals; balances risk with operational needs.
• Adaptability – Navigates changing conditions, competing priorities, and ambiguity with flexibility and resilience.
• Customer Focus – Understands internal and external customer needs; delivers high-quality outcomes that enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Collaboration and Influence – Builds effective relationships and works cross-functionally to align on goals, resolve issues, and move initiatives forward.
• Technical Food Safety and Quality Expertise – Applies deep knowledge of regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA), food safety systems (HACCP, SQF), and quality tools (SPC, environmental monitoring) to ensure safe and compliant operations.

 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• HACCP Certification – Required
• PCQI Certification – Required
• SQF Practitioner Certification – Required

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

WORK LOCATION 

This position will work out of our Pleasant View office in Plymouth, WI; candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance.   

 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 

Occasional travel is required to meet the needs of the business (up to 10%).  A valid driver’s license is required.   

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, use hands to handle or feel, and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands or arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required in this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to non-weather related cold, heat, wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, caustic sanitation chemicals and manufacturing cellulose powder. The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud.

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