Sr. Manager, FSQA

Hungry for a career that’s as rewarding as it is delicious? 

At Aspire Bakeries, we don’t just bake breads, cookies, and cakes - we create foods that bring people together. From La Brea Bakery® artisan breads to Otis Spunkmeyer® cookies, our products are enjoyed by millions of people every day. And behind every bite are talented manufacturing and support teams who take pride in their work and our food. 

We’re looking for hard-working people who will bring integrity, creativity, and a passion for excellence to everything they do - whether that’s on the bakery floor, in the office, or supporting customers. In return, we offer a workplace culture built on care, ownership, and growth - where your contributions matter and your career can rise as high as our bread loaves! 

With 13 commercial bakeries across North America and a reputation as an industry leader, Aspire Bakeries is rising together with our people and our customers to be the best all-around bakery solution. If you’re ready to grow with us, we’d love to hear from you.

Why You’ll Love Working At Aspire Bakeries

• Culture – Our culture thrives on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for excellence. We support team members, empower growth, and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company-paid life insurance and additional voluntary options to fit your needs.
• Work-Life Balance – Paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and holidays so you can recharge and spend time on what matters most.
• Financial Security – A competitive 401(k) with immediate company match, plus short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Growth & Development – Opportunities to build skills, grow your career, and develop expertise through Aspire Bakeries’ learning and development programs.
• Flexibility & Support – HSA and FSA plans to help you manage everyday expenses.
• Recognition & Rewards – Performance incentive plans that celebrate achievements across sales, bakery performance, and individual contributions.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Manager, Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) to join Aspire Bakeries. In this role, you will lead and enhance food safety and quality programs across one or multiple bakery locations, ensuring alignment with the Aspire Integrated Management System (AIMS), GFSI standards, and regulatory requirements.

Reporting to the Director of FSQA, this role is critical to protecting brand integrity, advancing food safety culture, and driving continuous improvement across bakery operations. You will partner closely with Operations, R&D, Regulatory Agencies, and Customers while developing and mentoring high-performing FSQA teams. This position requires regular onsite presence (minimum four days per week) at assigned bakery location(s) to ensure hands-on leadership and operational impact.

Shift & Schedule

Hours: 8a-5p

Weekend Availability: Required

Compensation

• Salary Range: $120,000 – $150,000 annually

Core Accountabilities (What You’ll Be Doing)

• Lead enterprise-wide food safety and quality programs, ensuring compliance with FDA, USDA, state, local, and international regulations while safeguarding brand integrity.
• Own and advance GFSI/BRCGS certification, including audit readiness, recertification, customer audits, and third-party inspections across assigned bakeries.
• Drive continuous improvement in FSQA performance, leveraging KPIs, microbiological trends, environmental monitoring, and corrective action effectiveness.
• Develop and sustain robust Food Safety Plans, including HARPC, GMPs, allergen controls, sanitation controls, preventive controls, and supply chain controls.
• Foster a strong food safety culture, championing SIFIRI (See It, Fix It, Report It), engagement, accountability, and employee education at all levels.
• Build, lead, and develop FSQA teams, ensuring appropriate staffing, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Serve as a strategic partner internally and externally, collaborating with Operations, R&D, Customers, Regulatory Agencies, and Suppliers to elevate food safety and quality outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications (What You Bring to the Table)

• Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Technology, or related discipline
• 10+ years of food manufacturing or quality experience, including multi-site leadership
• 5+ years of comprehensive food safety experience in manufacturing environments
• Extensive hands-on experience with HACCP, HARPC, GMPs, FDA and/or USDA regulations
• PCQI certification
• Strong statistical analysis, interpretation, and reporting skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications (Extra Ingredients for Success)

• HACCP certification (FDA or USDA)
• GFSI certification (BRCGS preferred)
• Experience leading BRC, GFSI, FDA, or USDA audits
• Experience supporting organic, non-GMO, kosher, and halal certifications
• Proven success leading environmental monitoring and pathogen control programs

Aspire Bakeries LLC values the contribution each Team Member brings to our organization. The final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to location, shift, education, skill, and experience within the job or the industry. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed in this specific job description. Additional pay may be determined for those candidates that exceed these specified qualifications and requirements. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. For union-represented postings, wage rates and ranges are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Aspire Bakeries is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants.