Plant Quality Manager Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Plant Quality Manager jobs attract H-1B visa and EB-2/EB-3 sponsorship from food, automotive, and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Employers file a Labor Condition Application before hiring, and most roles require a bachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry, or a related field to qualify as a specialty occupation.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
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:
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.
Relocation Package Available
Yes
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.
INTRODUCTION
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:
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.
Relocation Package Available
Yes
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 Plant Quality Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Plant Quality Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Plant Quality Manager
Align your degree to specialty occupation standards
USCIS requires your degree to directly relate to quality management in a specific industry. A general business degree often triggers a Request for Evidence, so highlight engineering, food science, or chemistry coursework on your resume and credential evaluations.
Verify prevailing wage tiers before negotiating
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the prevailing wage for your target metro area before any offer conversation. Plant Quality Managers often span wage levels two through four, and accepting a Level 1 offer can flag your LCA during DOL review.
Target manufacturers with active PERM history
Food processing, auto parts, and pharmaceutical plants file PERM labor certifications more regularly than light manufacturing. Filtering your search to employers in those sectors raises your odds of finding a company already familiar with the green card sponsorship pipeline.
Search verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate
Filter by industry and location on Migrate Mate to find plant employers with confirmed LCA filing history. This cuts out the guesswork of cold-applying to manufacturers who have never sponsored a visa before.
Get your ISO and ASQ certifications documented early
Certifications like CQE, CQM, or ISO 9001 Lead Auditor training are rarely enough alone, but they strengthen specialty occupation arguments when your degree field is a loose fit. Have official certificates and transcripts ready before an employer initiates your LCA filing.
Clarify cap-exempt status with plant universities or hospitals
If a plant is owned by or affiliated with a cap-exempt institution, the employer can file an H-1B petition outside the annual lottery. Ask HR directly whether the entity qualifies, since many manufacturing sponsors don't know this exemption applies to affiliated nonprofits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Plant Quality Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS looks for a direct relationship between the job duties and a specific bachelor's degree field. Plant Quality Manager roles tied to regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, food safety, or automotive manufacturing are easier to qualify because industry standards require degree-level expertise in engineering, chemistry, or life sciences. Roles at smaller generalist plants may require a stronger supporting memo from the employer.
Which visa categories do employers typically use to sponsor Plant Quality Managers?
H-1B is the most common nonimmigrant visa for this role. Some employers also sponsor through the EB-2 or EB-3 employment-based green card categories, using the PERM labor certification process. TN visa classification is available to Canadian and Mexican nationals if the role maps cleanly to an engineer or scientist category on the USMCA profession list, though quality management titles require careful review against that list.
How do I find plant employers who are already set up to sponsor visas?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA filing history, so you can search specifically for manufacturing and production companies that have already sponsored workers in quality or engineering roles. This saves time compared to applying broadly and discovering sponsorship readiness only after multiple interview rounds.
Does my employer need to do anything with DOL before filing my H-1B petition?
Yes. Your employer must file and receive a certified Labor Condition Application from DOL before USCIS can process your H-1B petition. The LCA certifies that your offered wage meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for the role and work location, and that hiring you won't adversely affect working conditions for U.S. workers in that plant.
Will a three-year bachelor's degree from outside the U.S. satisfy the specialty occupation requirement?
It can, but it requires a credential evaluation. USCIS accepts foreign three-year degrees when a qualified evaluator determines they are equivalent to a U.S. four-year bachelor's degree in a relevant field. For Plant Quality Manager roles, the field of study matters as much as the credential level, so the evaluation should address both equivalency and subject matter alignment.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Plant Quality Manager jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.