Plant Quality Manager Jobs
Plant Quality Manager jobs are open across manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and automotive, at every level from quality engineer to senior and director, with specializations in regulatory compliance, supplier quality, and process improvement. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 107+ Plant Quality Manager jobs
If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
Are you a results-driven Food Safety & Quality Assurance professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and knows how to spot risks before they become problems? At Smithfield Foods, you’ll take the lead in ensuring our products—like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan’s Famous—meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance.
As Plant FSQA Manager, you’ll manage all food safety and quality programs at the facility. You’ll lead sanitation checks, enforce USDA and HAACP regulations, track products from start to finish, and implement corrective actions when needed. You’ll also oversee the plant’s quality systems, ensuring everything we produce is safe, consistent, and customer-ready.
In this role, you’ll report to both plant and corporate FSQA leadership—driving continuous improvement, team performance, and regulatory excellence.
Ready to lead with impact? Join Smithfield and help deliver quality that’s trusted nationwide.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
Ensure Regulatory Compliance & Verification: You’ll oversee all food safety, quality, and regulatory programs to ensure USDA/FDA compliance, accurate documentation, and audit readiness. You’ll lead root cause investigations, implement corrective actions, and maintain strong relationships with USDA inspectors.
Drive Food Safety & Quality Improvement: You'll work closely with FSQA and Operations teams to prevent HACCP, SSOP, and product or process failures. Through continuous improvement initiatives, you'll develop plans, strengthen process controls, and train staff to uphold high standards.
Lead Sanitation Programs: You’ll design and manage the facility’s sanitation program—including audits, microbial testing, and performance tracking. When issues arise, you’ll take prompt, data-driven action to ensure cleanliness and compliance.
Manage SQF Systems: You’ll lead the development, maintenance, and reassessment of SQF Food Safety and Quality Plans. You'll ensure the system stays current, compliant, and well-communicated to all relevant team members.
Supervise and Develop Your FSQA Team: You’ll manage staffing, schedules, performance reviews, and training for FSQA personnel. In the absence of key team members, you’ll ensure all responsibilities are covered through cross-training and effective delegation.
WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:
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 to perform the essential functions.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 5+ years’ relevant experience in the food industry; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership, required.
Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
Technical Knowledge and Regulatory Compliance: Possesses hands-on experience with microbiological testing of meat and poultry products, along with a solid understanding of foodborne pathogens, microbiological and limited chemistry testing. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of USDA, FSIS, HACCP, and SSOP requirements, and familiarity with QMS systems, SAP, and various database and inventory software tools.
Communication and Analytical Skills: Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to address inquiries from regulatory agencies, customers, and internal stakeholders. Skilled in decision-making, problem-solving, and responding to quality and compliance issues in a timely and effective manner. Maintains a high standard of documentation and compliance.
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with professionalism and adaptability.
Willingness to travel up to 10% and work extended hours or weekends as needed.
OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
USDA/HACCP Certification
SQF Certified Expert
Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance principles, food science and meat processing, SPC and statistics
Bilingual skills are a valuable asset, allowing you to communicate effectively in diverse, multicultural environments and enhance team collaboration.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.
If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
Are you a results-driven Food Safety & Quality Assurance professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and knows how to spot risks before they become problems? At Smithfield Foods, you’ll take the lead in ensuring our products—like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan’s Famous—meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance.
As Plant FSQA Manager, you’ll manage all food safety and quality programs at the facility. You’ll lead sanitation checks, enforce USDA and HAACP regulations, track products from start to finish, and implement corrective actions when needed. You’ll also oversee the plant’s quality systems, ensuring everything we produce is safe, consistent, and customer-ready.
In this role, you’ll report to both plant and corporate FSQA leadership—driving continuous improvement, team performance, and regulatory excellence.
Ready to lead with impact? Join Smithfield and help deliver quality that’s trusted nationwide.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
Ensure Regulatory Compliance & Verification: You’ll oversee all food safety, quality, and regulatory programs to ensure USDA/FDA compliance, accurate documentation, and audit readiness. You’ll lead root cause investigations, implement corrective actions, and maintain strong relationships with USDA inspectors.
Drive Food Safety & Quality Improvement: You'll work closely with FSQA and Operations teams to prevent HACCP, SSOP, and product or process failures. Through continuous improvement initiatives, you'll develop plans, strengthen process controls, and train staff to uphold high standards.
Lead Sanitation Programs: You’ll design and manage the facility’s sanitation program—including audits, microbial testing, and performance tracking. When issues arise, you’ll take prompt, data-driven action to ensure cleanliness and compliance.
Manage SQF Systems: You’ll lead the development, maintenance, and reassessment of SQF Food Safety and Quality Plans. You'll ensure the system stays current, compliant, and well-communicated to all relevant team members.
Supervise and Develop Your FSQA Team: You’ll manage staffing, schedules, performance reviews, and training for FSQA personnel. In the absence of key team members, you’ll ensure all responsibilities are covered through cross-training and effective delegation.
WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:
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 to perform the essential functions.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 5+ years’ relevant experience in the food industry; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership, required.
Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
Technical Knowledge and Regulatory Compliance: Possesses hands-on experience with microbiological testing of meat and poultry products, along with a solid understanding of foodborne pathogens, microbiological and limited chemistry testing. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of USDA, FSIS, HACCP, and SSOP requirements, and familiarity with QMS systems, SAP, and various database and inventory software tools.
Communication and Analytical Skills: Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to address inquiries from regulatory agencies, customers, and internal stakeholders. Skilled in decision-making, problem-solving, and responding to quality and compliance issues in a timely and effective manner. Maintains a high standard of documentation and compliance.
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with professionalism and adaptability.
Willingness to travel up to 10% and work extended hours or weekends as needed.
OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
USDA/HACCP Certification
SQF Certified Expert
Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance principles, food science and meat processing, SPC and statistics
Bilingual skills are a valuable asset, allowing you to communicate effectively in diverse, multicultural environments and enhance team collaboration.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.
See All 107+ Plant Quality Manager Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Plant Quality Manager JobsPlant Quality Manager Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Food & Beverage
- Chemicals & Materials
- Technology & Software
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in plant quality manager jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality, or a related technical field
- Hands-on experience managing quality systems in a manufacturing environment
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001 or industry-specific standards such as IATF 16949 or SQF
- Proficiency with statistical process control tools and root cause analysis methods
- Experience leading internal and supplier audits and managing corrective action processes
- Certified Quality Manager, Certified Quality Engineer, or equivalent ASQ certification preferred
Tips for Your Plant Quality Manager Job Search
Tailor your resume to audit depth
Plant quality manager postings weigh audit experience heavily. Specify the audit standards you've led, such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or SQF, and note your role as lead auditor versus participant. Vague mentions of 'quality systems experience' get filtered out fast.
Quantify defect reduction on your resume
Hiring managers want numbers tied to outcomes. Replace phrases like 'improved product quality' with specific reductions in defect rates, customer complaints, or scrap costs you drove. Even rough figures from internal reports are more persuasive than narrative descriptions.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists plant quality manager openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter openings by industry certification requirements
Some plants hire exclusively for industry-specific certifications, like HACCP for food facilities or PPAP experience for automotive suppliers. Identify which certification families your background covers and prioritize postings where those appear in the requirements section.
Prepare a structured problem-solving example for interviews
Most plant quality manager interviews include a scenario question about a production nonconformance. Walk interviewers through a real example using a structured approach, like 8D or DMAIC, naming the root cause, corrective action, and measurable outcome you achieved.
Negotiate relocation terms before accepting plant roles
Many plant quality manager openings are on-site at facilities located outside major metros. Before the offer stage, clarify whether relocation assistance is included and get the terms in writing, since this significantly affects your true compensation picture.
Plant Quality Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most plant quality managers?
Refresco, CNH Industrial, and Howmet Aerospace are hiring the most plant quality managers right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, Michigan, and Illinois, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to be highest at facilities undergoing new certification audits or production scale-ups.
How many plant quality manager jobs are remote?
About 9% of plant quality manager openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on, floor-based nature of most plant quality roles. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote flexibility include supplier quality management, documentation and compliance work, and quality systems consulting roles attached to multi-site operations.
How do you become a plant quality manager?
Start with a technical degree in engineering, quality science, or manufacturing, then build floor-level experience in quality inspection or quality engineering roles. Pursue an ASQ certification such as the Certified Quality Engineer credential to signal formal competency. Progress into supervisory or lead auditor responsibilities, demonstrate measurable results in defect reduction or audit outcomes, and you'll be positioned for a manager-level role.
Can you get hired as a plant quality manager with little experience?
Moving directly into a plant quality manager role with no quality background is uncommon, but candidates who combine a relevant technical degree with hands-on floor experience in a quality-adjacent function, such as production supervision, supplier coordination, or process engineering, can transition faster than average. Earning an entry-level ASQ certification and volunteering to lead internal audits at your current employer strengthens a lean experience profile considerably.
What does the plant quality manager interview process look like?
Most plant quality manager interviews involve a phone or video screen with HR, followed by a technical interview with the plant manager or quality director covering your systems knowledge and audit experience. Expect at least one scenario question about managing a nonconformance or customer complaint. Final rounds often include a facility tour and meetings with cross-functional peers in production, supply chain, and engineering.
Where can I find and apply to plant quality manager jobs?
You can find and apply to plant quality manager jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your industry background, certification level, and location preference, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 107+ Plant Quality Manager Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Plant Quality Manager Jobs