Guided Search Partners (GSP)
Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long-term Relationships.
We connect high-performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

About the Opportunity
We’re partnering with a well-established, growth-oriented food manufacturer known for its commitment to quality, operational excellence, and people-first leadership. This company has spent decades earning consumer trust through products that define convenience and comfort in the refrigerated foods category. As the organization continues expanding its capabilities and optimizing performance, it seeks a dynamic FSQA Manager to strengthen on-site leadership and reinforce a culture of accountability and improvement.

This role exists to reenergize a critical function—one that safeguards product integrity, ensures compliance, and drives continuous progress. It’s an opportunity to join a collaborative, hands-on team where visibility and impact are immediate. The environment values individuals who lead from the floor, build trust through consistency, and motivate teams to achieve shared goals.

What You’ll Do

You’ll be the on-the-ground quality leader ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of safety, consistency, and compliance.

• Lead and mentor a team of FSQA professionals, fostering engagement, ownership, and collaboration.

• Be a visible presence on the plant floor—partnering with production, operations, and engineering to identify and resolve quality issues in real time.

• Evaluate and enhance systems and processes aligned with GFSI and SQF standards.

• Analyze data trends, implement corrective actions, and champion process improvements that drive measurable results.

• Collaborate with leadership to execute plant-wide initiatives around safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

• Support strategic projects and product initiatives while maintaining regulatory compliance under USDA and FDA oversight.

• Model accountability, clear communication, and a solutions-first mindset across all interactions.

Who You Are
You’re a proactive, floor-focused leader who thrives in dynamic environments where quality and culture go hand in hand.

• Naturally curious and decisive, with a bias for action and data-driven problem-solving.

• Balances technical expertise with approachability—building rapport and credibility across all levels.

• Comfortable in regulated, fast-paced operations and able to navigate ambiguity with confidence.

• Respected for consistency, follow-through, and the ability to rally teams toward shared goals.

You’re the kind of professional who prefers to be where the work happens—leading by example, communicating clearly, and driving improvement one conversation at a time.

Preferred Experience & Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field (preferred but not required).

• 5+ years of management or supervisory experience in food manufacturing, ideally within protein or USDA-regulated environments.

• Demonstrated experience with GFSI schemes such as SQF, BRC, or FSSC 22000.

• Working knowledge of SAP or similar ERP systems.

• Proven ability to analyze data and leverage insights for decision-making.

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

• Grounded leadership style with the ability to balance urgency, precision, and people development.

Why This Role Matters

This position plays a central role in maintaining the integrity of one of the nation’s most trusted food brands. By ensuring compliance, consistency, and continuous improvement, you’ll directly contribute to the company’s reputation for quality and reliability. You’ll collaborate closely with plant and corporate leadership, influencing processes that sustain growth and elevate operational performance.

This is a team that values transparency, teamwork, and long-term success. The company’s culture blends small-company accessibility with the resources and backing of a large parent organization—creating an environment where initiative is recognized and impact is visible. Now is the right time to join a team that’s building for the future while honoring its legacy of quality.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to the Director of QA.

• Collaborates closely with the Plant Manager and VP of FSQA.

• Leads a team of 4 FSQA Technicians within a plant of approximately 120 employees.

• Partners cross-functionally with production, engineering, and operations leadership.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $115K–$120K

• Annual bonus: 15%

• 18 days of vacation + 11 paid holidays

• 401(k) with 6% company match (fully vested after 1 year)

• Comprehensive health coverage starting the first of the month following hire

• Relocation assistance available (lump sum plus house-hunting and moving support)