KLR Executive Search Group is proud to partner with our long-standing client, Willow Tree Poultry Farm, to recruit a Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role overseeing all food safety and quality systems at a USDA-inspected, SQF-certified ready-to-eat poultry facility.

The Role

Reporting to the General Manager, the FSQA Manager will own FSQA systems end-to-end and serve as the key authority on product safety, regulatory compliance, and audit readiness. This role requires strong floor presence, urgency, and the ability to make critical decisions—including stopping production when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all FSQA systems (HACCP, SQF, PCQI) and ensure USDA FSIS compliance 
• Serve as primary contact for USDA inspectors and manage audit readiness 
• Oversee prerequisite programs (SSOPs, allergen control, sanitation, traceability) 
• Own product disposition decisions (hold, release, rework, destroy) 
• Lead audits, root cause analysis, and corrective actions 
• Develop the QA team and drive accountability across the production floor 
• Analyze data and drive continuous improvement initiatives 

Qualifications

• 7+ years in food safety/quality within USDA-regulated manufacturing 
• 3+ years in FSQA leadership 
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, SQF (or GFSI), and USDA FSIS 
• Experience in RTE food safety (Listeria control preferred) 
• Proven ability to lead audits and make high-impact decisions 

Compensation

$120,000 – $130,000 base salary + bonus potential and benefits