Regional Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager II

Foremost Farms USA is one of the largest and most respected dairy cooperatives in the United States, headquartered in Middleton (Madison), Wisconsin. Established to serve the needs of hundreds of Midwest dairy farmer members across seven Midwest states, Foremost Farms USA is a major dairy food and ingredients manufacturing business producing approximately 500 million pounds of cheese and 50 million pounds of butter annually. The cooperative operates seven manufacturing plants spread across Wisconsin and Michigan, emphasizing innovation, quality, and excellence in the dairy industry. As a company, Foremost Farms USA is committed to sustainable dairy production, superior food safety standards, and continuous improvement to meet the ever-evolving needs of customers and consumers. With a strong cooperative spirit, the company values its connection to the farmer-members who supply the raw material essential for their operations, ensuring quality from farm to table.

The role offered is for a Regional Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager II, a full-time exempt position based in Madison, Wisconsin. This position plays a crucial role within the Quality, Food Safety & Regulatory department, providing leadership, expertise, and support to plant-level Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) teams. The primary objective is to enhance and verify FSQA policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with cooperative, customer, and regulatory requirements. The manager will collaborate with plant management and corporate departments to secure alignment on food safety, HACCP plans, quality standards, GMPs, product traceability, and food defense protocols.

In addition to managing policies and procedures, the role demands developing the FSQA team through coaching, performance reviews, individual development plans, and succession planning. This leadership extends to mentoring the Manager I – FSQA to perform effectively and prepare for future organizational roles. The manager is responsible for identifying gaps in food safety and quality processes, leading root cause analyses, and implementing sustainable improvements. This position also acts as a technical resource during customer complaints or high-impact events, facilitates interdepartmental communications, and engages in cross-functional project teams for resource optimization.

The job setting is hybrid, involving work at the corporate office, Foremost Farms facilities, remote work, and travel up to 75%. This environment demands flexibility and effective time management. Foremost Farms USA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, financial security, and work-life balance, underscoring the company’s dedication to its workforce’s well-being and growth.

This role is ideal for professionals with a background in biology, dairy science, or related fields, combined with significant leadership experience in food safety and quality assurance. Preferred qualifications include HACCP, PCQI, Food Defense certifications, and experience with GFSI programs, root cause analysis, and dairy industry operations. Candidates with strong Microsoft Office, Tableau, Salesforce, and ERP skills will find this opportunity particularly rewarding. Foremost Farms USA embraces diversity and inclusivity, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The company provides equal employment opportunities and values the unique contributions of its employees across all aspects of their business.