About Mama’s Creations
Mama’s Creations, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAMA) is a national leader in fresh deli prepared foods, distributed across 8,500+ grocery, mass, club, and convenience locations. Rooted in our Mama Mancini’s heritage, we craft high-quality, fresh, clean, and easy-to-prepare meals that serve modern shoppers and our retail partners. Our vision: become the one-stop deli solutions platform through vertical integration and a family of brands. Learn more at https://mamascreations.com/.
Role Snapshot
As the QA/QC Manager, you’ll be the guardian of food safety, regulatory compliance, and the hallmark we call Grandma Quality. You’ll design and own the quality systems that keep our products safe, consistent, and exceptional—while leading a high-performing FSQA team in a fast-paced production environment. You’ll model our values—Commit to Craftsmanship, Nurture Relationships, and Honor Heritage—so that pride in work and inclusion show up in every process and product.
A Day in the Life
By the time production ramps, you’ve already reviewed CCP checks and verified that HACCP, GMP, FSMA, and SQF/BRC controls are locked in. You rotate technicians across kitchen, packing, and warehouse per the published weekly schedule—balancing coverage and cross-training. In the microbiology lab, SMA and pathogen testing are in motion; pH meters are calibrated; NDS and fat analyses are queued for verification. You meet with Production, R&D, and Supply Chain to align on continuous improvements that protect Grandma Quality without sacrificing the integrity of our traditions.
Midday, you’re coaching technicians—reinforcing procedures, documentation accuracy, and personal accountability in a respectful, inclusive environment. A customer inquiry arrives; you assemble compliance packets, product specifications, and questionnaires with precision. An internal audit uncovers a non-conformance; you lead root cause analysis and implement CAPAs that fix the issue and strengthen the system. Before close, you update the Food Safety & Quality Manual and SOPs, verify sanitation and environmental monitoring results (microbiological and allergen controls), and sign off on shelf-life tests to ensure safety, consistency, and excellence.
What You’ll Lead
- Build, implement, and manage quality and food safety systems aligned with HACCP, GMP, FSMA, and SQF/BRC while championing a robust Grandma Quality culture.
- Prepare customer, auditor, and regulator materials—compliance packets, product specifications, and detailed questionnaire responses.
- Oversee QA/QC operations and staff: in-process and finished product inspections, lab testing, and documentation—fostering inclusion, empowerment, and accountability.
- Lead internal/external audits and inspections (e.g., FDA, USDA, customer, and social audits).
- Demonstrate familiarity with Federal Food Labeling requirements for meat and poultry (certification preferred).
- Investigate complaints and non-conformances; drive root cause analysis and CAPAs with a solutions-first, learning-oriented mindset.
- Maintain and continually improve the Food Safety & Quality Manual, SOPs, and training documentation to support diverse learning needs.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, R&D, and Supply Chain to meet Grandma Quality objectives and accelerate continuous improvement.
- Manage the microbiology lab and basic chemistry testing protocols (SMA, pathogen testing, NDS, fat analysis, pH meters).
- Own recordkeeping and reporting for Grandma Quality metrics and compliance obligations.
- Direct shelf-life programs to verify safety, consistency, and excellence.
- Train and mentor QA/QC staff in procedures, protocols, and Grandma Quality culture—leading with empathy and inclusion, celebrating contributions, and supporting growth.
- Monitor sanitation programs and environmental testing for microbiological and allergen control; promote a clean, safe workplace.
- Verify raw materials, packaging, and finished goods meet all established Grandma Quality specifications.
- Publish and manage a weekly audit schedule that rotates technicians across areas to ensure balanced coverage and development.
- Perform additional tasks as needed to support the team and business.
Essential Qualifications
Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements for internal applicants.
- Bachelor’s in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related discipline.
- 7+ years of QA/QC experience in food manufacturing, including 3+ years in a supervisory/management role.
- Deep understanding of food safety regulations, quality systems, and industry standards.
- Hands-on experience with HACCP, GMP, FSMA, SQF, BRC, or similar certifications.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills (English), with strong organization and follow-through.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; NetSuite familiarity is a plus.
- Data-driven decision maker with strong analytical skills.
- Meticulous, improvement-minded, and dedicated to quality excellence.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified SQF Practitioner, PCQI, HACCP, or related credentials.
- Experience conducting audits and hosting regulatory inspections.
- Bilingual English/Spanish is advantageous.
Work Environment & Essential Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and stoop for extended periods.
- Hearing sufficient to monitor equipment sounds, alarms, and verbal cues in noisy settings.
- Lift/carry or move up to 60 pounds.
- Exposure to loud noise, dust, fumes, chemicals, and hot/cold temperatures or other on-site elements.
- Use of PPE such as hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, and lab coats.
- Ability to climb stairs and access elevated platforms or confined spaces when required.
You Should Be Proficient In
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing
- Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA)
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
- FDA Regulations
- USDA Regulations
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)