Quality Assurance Manager

At Utz, we’re passionate about creating snacks that bring joy to every moment. With over 100 years of family heritage, we’ve grown into a dynamic portfolio of beloved brands including Utz, Zapp’s, Boulder Canyon, and On The Border—and we’re just getting started.

Come be part of a world-class team on a mission to become the fastest-growing pure-play U.S. snacking company of scale.

The Opportunity: Quality Assurance Manager, Goodyear, AZ

Responsible for oversight and implementation of the Utz quality and food safety programs at designated site(s).  The individual will drive all aspects of food safety and quality systems, regulatory requirements, industry audits, product identity, disposition of non-conforming product, and standards adherence within the operation. Role includes management of the on-site QA laboratory including direct reports, routine sampling and testing, product evaluation, retain samples, equipment maintenance and calibration, and product qualification. 

What You’ll Do:

• Responsible for the daily activities of the QA lab to ensure support of food safety and quality processes for the facility. General oversite and implementation of the Utz quality and food safety program.
• Manage a team of direct reports including a potential QA Supervisor and QA Lab Technicians across all shifts.
• Supports plant management in resolving non-conforming product or compliance issues.
• Assists in development and implementation of QA systems where needed; supports R&D functions before, during, and after commercialization.
• Responsible for lab testing methods and lab equipment data. Reviews quality and food safety data and responds appropriately to out of specification results or trends.
• Works closely with facility leadership to foster a positive quality and food safety culture and support personnel safety and continuous improvement efforts.
• Serves as SQF practitioner, HACCP coordinator, and FSMA expert for the facility; leads a cross-functional Food Safety Team.
• Manages the development, implementation and training of food safety and regulatory programs
• Oversite of the SQF program including but not limited to adherence to SQF code requirements, document and record management, monthly leadership meetings, verification, and validation activities.
• Works with management and fellow associates to ensure adherence to food safety programs.
• Escalates food safety and quality issues to Utz leadership as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned that will impact and support the overall outcome of the company and department objectives.

What You Bring:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience

• Requires 3 to 5 years’ experience in food manufacturing
• Experience with HACCP/HARPC programs
• Experience managing and working in cross functional teams
• Leadership experience in preparing for and leading teams through third party audits
• Experience integrating statistical process control methods
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

Skills

• Able to balance priorities and manage multiple projects on an on-going basis
• Able to effectively listen, communicate and interface across all organizational levels
• Able to maximize teamwork philosophies and achievements

Certifications & Licenses

• HACCP/PCQI certification strongly preferred
• SQF Practitioner certified preferred but not required

External Recruitment Process:

• Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
• Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
• Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.

Why Utz?

We’re proud to offer a supportive, inclusive environment where associates can grow their careers and live their healthiest lives. Our benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employer-match 401(k) and profit-sharing
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Career development programs and more

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.