QA Operations Manager - Production QualityChelten House Products is a fourth-generation, family-owned food manufacturing company with facilities in Swedesboro, NJ. We are an industry leader widely recognized for our commitment to creating the finest tasting pasta sauces, salad dressings, salsas, ketchups, and other sauces and blends. Our success is built on a strong culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement, supported by a workforce dedicated to excellence and innovation.What We Have:Competitive compensation with annual performance reviewAnnual target performance bonusPaid time off and paid holidaysMedical, vision, and dental benefitsCompany-wide perks and employee appreciation eventsSupplemental benefits, including life insurance and 401(k) contributionsTeam training sessions and advancement opportunitiesA diversified workforce committed to excellence and innovationTransparent and accessible leadership teamWhat We Need:We are looking for a QA Manager of Production who will lead the execution of quality assurance systems across a multi-shift, fast-paced food manufacturing environment, ensuring compliance, driving accountability, and strengthening a culture of true quality ownership on the production floor.
This role is highly hands-on, requiring approximately 80% of time spent on the plant floor actively supporting production operations, coaching teams, verifying execution, and driving real-time decision making. The QA Manager of Production will ensure consistent food safety and quality controls across all kitchens and packaging lines, maintain end-to-end product integrity, and own the execution of Quality Assurance Systems from raw material through finished product. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader who thrives in a high-volume environment, demonstrates expert multitasking abilities, operates with a high level of autonomy, and leads through visibility, accountability, and direct engagement with production teams.What You Will Do:Production Quality OwnershipEnsure consistent food safety and quality standards across all production stages and shiftsServe as the primary QA contact for routine production activities and day-to-day exception resolutionIdentify and appropriately escalate issues requiring Director-level interventionDrive accountability for quality execution in real time on the production floorMaintain a strong plant-floor presence through hands-on leadership, coaching, and direct engagement with operators and supervisorsPartner cross-functionally with Production, Operations, and Sanitation teams to ensure alignment on quality expectations and executionLine Checks & Process VerificationOwn and manage the Line Check Program across all kitchens and packaging linesEnsure line checks are:Completed on timeCompleted accuratelyReflective of actual production conditionsValidate execution using:Documentation reviewPhysical product inspectionDirect observation of operator performanceIndependent QA verification checksEnsure line checks are treated as meaningful control points rather than checkbox compliance activitiesProvide immediate feedback, coaching, and corrective action when deviations are identifiedRisk-Based Quality Oversight (Critical Responsibility)Apply risk-based decision making to prioritize quality oversight based on:Product history and prior deviation trendsNew or modified products/processesHigh-risk SKUs or sensitive categoriesIngredient variability and supply chain changesPackaging changes or new materialsLine staffing conditions, including:Operator experience levelWhether team members are regulars or new to the lineAbility of staff to detect and respond to deviationsQA technician assignment and capability on each lineExercise authority to stop or shut down production lines when food safety or quality standards are at riskOperate independently with sound judgment while balancing production demands with quality and food safety expectationsWhat You Need:Bachelor's degree required5+ years of experience in Quality within a manufacturing or packaging environmentMinimum 2 years of supervisory or people leadership experienceStrong KPI ownership, reporting, and data analysis experienceProven ability to lead with a hands-on management style in a production environmentAbility to spend approximately 80% of working time on the plant floor supporting operations and driving executionStrong risk-based decision-making capabilities; this position will have the authority to shut down production linesHigh engagement and credibility with production operators through visible leadership and real-time problem solvingDemonstrated ability to operate with a high level of autonomy while driving accountability across multiple shifts and departmentsExpert multitasking capabilities with the ability to prioritize and manage competing operational demands effectivelyStrong working knowledge of:HACCPGMPFDA food safety regulationsGFSI standards (e.g., SQF)Strong problem-solving and continuous improvement mindsetAbility to multitask in a fast-paced, high-volume environmentProficiency in MS Office required; advanced data manipulation skills are a plusMust be fully on-site with the ability to support off-shift operations as neededMust be an initiator and driver of change, proactively identifying gaps and improving executionContinuous improvement mindset driven by proactive leadership and safety-first decision making