Food & Beverage OPT Jobs in Tennessee

INTRODUCTION

The Quality Assurance Supervisor is responsible for supervising, training, and directing Quality Assurance Technicians during their assigned shift. This role ensures compliance with all Food Safety, Food Quality, HACCP, SQF, USDA, FDA, GMP, SSOP, and company requirements. The Quality Assurance Supervisor serves as a key partner to Production and Operations teams, providing leadership and oversight to maintain product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance throughout the manufacturing process.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Team Management:

• Supervise, train, coach, and develop Quality Assurance Technicians on assigned shifts.
• Assist the Quality Assurance Manager with performance evaluations and employee development.
• Ensure all QA personnel follow applicable food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate effectively with Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, and other department leaders.
• Serve as backup to the Quality Assurance Manager when needed.

Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance:

• Oversee pre-operational inspections and corrective actions.
• Review and approve HACCP, SSOP, changeover, metal detection, and other food safety documentation.
• Perform pre-shipment reviews and release activities.
• Conduct document verification and approval for all applicable QA records.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, SQF, USDA, FDA, GMP, SSOP, Food Defense, and Allergen Control programs.
• Participate in internal audits and support regulatory, customer, and third-party audits.

Quality Assurance Operations:

• Review production records and report non-conformances to Production Management.
• Manage food safety and product quality concerns during production operations.
• Investigate non-conformances and assist with corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain and monitor product hold and disposition logs.
• Support production teams in resolving product quality issues and maintaining consistency.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and document findings.
• Assist with shelf-life studies and product validation activities, as needed.

Testing, Monitoring & Calibration:

• Perform and document pH meter calibration and product pH testing.
• Conduct environmental monitoring, microbiological sampling, and swabbing programs as required.
• Prepare and submit samples to external laboratories.
• Verify sanitizer concentrations and document testing activities, when applicable.
• Review and approve metal detector monitoring activities.

Documentation & Record Management:

• Ensure accurate completion, review, and retention of all QA documentation.
• Maintain departmental records within ERP and electronic filing systems.
• Assist in managing documentation flow to ensure complete and audit-ready records.
• Support customer sample requests, microbiological testing requests, and label change activities.

Training & Continuous Improvement:

• Provide and document training on HACCP, GMPs, Food Defense, Allergen Control, and other food safety programs.
• Assist with the development, review, and annual revision of policies and procedures.
• Participate in webinars, seminars, and industry training opportunities and share knowledge with the team.
• Support department projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, Quality Assurance, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in food manufacturing quality assurance.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Experience in a Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food manufacturing environment preferred.
• HACCP certification required or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe.
• SQF Practitioner certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of HACCP, SQF, GMPs, SSOPs, FDA, USDA, and food safety regulations.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and investigate quality issues.
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and problem-solving skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform routine inspection activities.
• Ability to work in environments with varying temperatures, including refrigerated and warm production areas.
• Exposure to water, cleaning chemicals, food products, odors, wet floors, and manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to work around production machinery and elevated noise levels.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a high-pressure environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates within a food manufacturing facility and requires frequent interaction with production, sanitation, maintenance, warehouse, and leadership personnel. The Quality Assurance Supervisor is expected to maintain a highly visible presence on the production floor to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.