Quality Manager

WHO WE ARE

As pioneers of the seaweed category, we introduced the world's first line of Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified roasted seaweed snacks in 2012 and has since grown to become the #1 selling, premium, organic seaweed-based snack – but our aspirations reach even further. Led by founders and visionary food entrepreneurs Annie Chun and Steve Broad, we take great pride and care in creating delicious and convenient snacks inspired by our Korean heritage and believe that seaweed represents a sustainable path forward that nourishes people and the planet. With our eyes focused on the future, we're on a mission to increase our impact by winning over a whole new generation of foodies. We are assembling a team of talented and driven individuals who are just as excited about the future of seaweed as we are!

WHO YOU ARE

You are a results-driven quality and food safety professional with a passion for building and maintaining world-class quality systems in a food manufacturing environment. You possess strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills and are committed to fostering a culture where quality and food safety are embedded in every aspect of the operation. You are highly knowledgeable in HACCP principles, FSMA regulations, GMPs, and quality management systems, with the ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical, effective programs. You excel at collaborating with cross-functional teams, influencing positive change, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, operational efficiency, and compliance. Organized, analytical, and detail-oriented, you are comfortable managing multiple priorities while maintaining a strong presence on the production floor and ensuring the facility consistently delivers safe, high-quality products that meet customer and regulatory expectations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Food Safety & Compliance

• Lead and maintain the facility's HACCP, FSMA, and GMP programs
• Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, labeling requirements, and third-party audit standards (SQF, BRC, etc.)
• Serve as the primary contact for regulatory inspections and customer audits
• Maintain all required documentation, records, and traceability systems

Quality Assurance & Control

• Develop and enforce quality standards and specifications for raw materials, in-process, and finished goods
• Oversee QC testing programs (moisture, weight, seal integrity, sensory attributes)
• Monitor production processes to ensure consistent product quality
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)

Team Leadership

• Manage and develop the QA/QC team, including technicians and supervisors
• Train employees on GMPs, food safety practices, and quality standards
• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement

Sanitation & Environmental Monitoring

• Partner with Sanitation to ensure effective cleaning and sanitation programs
• Oversee environmental monitoring programs (as applicable)
• Verify sanitation effectiveness through audits and testing

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve product quality, shelf life, and process consistency
• Collaborate with Production on process improvements
• Track and report key quality metrics (complaints, defects, yields)

Customer & Supplier Quality

• Manage customer complaints and implement corrective actions
• Support supplier quality programs and material approvals
• Work with R&D and Regulatory on new product launches and changes

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in food manufacturing quality/food safety
• HACCP & PCQI Certification (required)
• Strong knowledge of FSMA, GMPs, and FDA regulations

Preferred

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred to support effective communication, employee training, and day-to-day operations.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in quality and/or food safety within a food manufacturing environment.
• Experience with low-moisture or snack food products (e.g., roasted seaweed, chips, dried goods).
• Experience with SQF, BRC, or other GFSI-recognized certification programs.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis ability
• High attention to detail and documentation accuracy
• Ability to work cross-functionally with production and engineering
• Strong communication and audit management skills

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Audit performance (internal, regulatory, customer)
• Product defect rates / quality metrics
• Customer complaint trends
• Compliance adherence (HACCP, GMP, FSMA)
• On-time completion of CAPAs

Work Environment

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to production areas
• Requires walking the floor, auditing processes, and interacting with teams
• May require occasional off-shift or weekend support

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

This role is critical to ensure that every product delivered to customers meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and consistency. In a seaweed manufacturing environment, controlling moisture, texture, and shelf stability is essential to making the Quality Manager a key partner in both operations and brand integrity.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This full-time role will receive a competitive salary + benefits, including medical, dental, vision, 401k, and stock options. This position's anticipated annual pay range is $122,000 - $150,000 plus bonus. Various factors are considered when determining an individual's compensation–including a candidate's professional background, education, certifications, experience, professional licenses, and location. Final offer amounts may vary from the amounts listed. We neither ask for nor take into consideration the salary history of applicants.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.