Food Safety and Quality Supervisor

Position Summary

We're looking for an experienced Food Safety and Quality Supervisor to help lead quality excellence at our Lawton manufacturing facility. In this highly visible role, you'll provide technical leadership across plant operations, translate R&D formulas into production-ready recipes, and ensure every product leaving our facility meets the highest standards for food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

You'll partner closely with Operations, R&D, Engineering, and Supply Chain to solve problems, drive continuous improvement, and strengthen the systems that ensure safe, consistent, high-quality products that consumers trust. This is an on-site role working 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with additional weekend support during the harvest season as needed.

Where You'll Work

This role is based out of our 24/7 manufacturing facility in Lawton, Michigan, where you'll play a key leadership role in supporting one of Welch's most important production sites.

What You'll Do

• Create and manage production recipes from R&D formulas, ensuring accurate translation to manufacturing while accounting for juice attributes and process variability.
• Lead finished product verification and release activities, including disposition of held product and guidance on rework decisions.
• Champion the implementation and ongoing use of Statistical Process Control (InfinityQS) to strengthen process capability and product consistency.
• Conduct line inspections, GMP audits, and food safety assessments, partnering with Operations to identify opportunities, resolve issues, and drive sustainable improvements.
• Monitor supplier performance for ingredients and packaging materials to ensure quality expectations are consistently met.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve plant standard operating procedures.
• Serve as a technical resource for food safety, quality systems, regulatory compliance, and plant decision-making under the guidance of the Food Safety & Quality Manager.
• Lead the daily execution of on-site laboratory operations and supervise the Food Safety & Quality team, ensuring accurate analytical testing, strong execution, and a collaborative team culture.
• Foster a culture of safety by coaching, developing, and leading team members to maintain safe work practices and achieve an injury-free workplace.
• Partner cross-functionally to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and continuously improve food safety, quality, and operational performance.

Who You Are

• A passionate Food Safety & Quality professional with a strong foundation in HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and GFSI-recognized food safety programs such as SQF, BRCGS, or FSSC 22000.
• A collaborative leader who builds strong relationships across functions and positively influences teams to achieve shared goals.
• An effective communicator who can confidently engage team members on the production floor, facilitate training, and present information clearly to a variety of audiences.
• A highly organized project manager who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and successfully balances multiple priorities.
• A naturally curious problem solver who enjoys digging into data, identifying opportunities, and turning insights into practical solutions.
• A coach and mentor who enjoys developing others and building high-performing teams committed to food safety and quality excellence.

What You'll Need

• Technical education (college, trade school, or equivalent) in Food Science, Food Safety, Quality, Microbiology, or a related manufacturing discipline.
• Three or more years of progressive experience in Food Safety, Quality Assurance, Plant Operations, or a related manufacturing environment, including demonstrated leadership and sound decision-making.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and manufacturing quality systems, with the ability to quickly learn new technologies.
• Hands-on experience applying microbiology, sanitation, thermal processing, HACCP principles, and FSMA Preventive Controls within a food manufacturing environment.

What You'll Enjoy

• Organization with a bold, clear purpose & vision for the future
• Inclusive Culture: Be a part of an inclusive workplace where you not only belong but also have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself
• Passionate Community: You are encouraged to have a voice, share your opinions, and have individual impact on the success of the business
• Paid Time Off and Holidays: Available immediately for you to enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge
• Paid Volunteer Time Off: 40 hours of paid volunteer time for all non-union employees
• Development & Advancement: Access to LinkedIn Learning as well as both formal and informal opportunities to develop and grow your career
• Compensation Package Consisting of Competitive Base Salary and Annual Incentive Plan (Bonus)
• 401K plan with Generous Company Match
• Flexible Benefits from your first day: Choose the benefits that meet your needs and preferences
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Additional benefits available through Perks at Work
• Paid parental (and adoption) leave - Available after 6 months of employment

The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $75,000 to $85,000 annually for US-based employees. This range reflects the minimum and maximum for the position across all US locations, is based on a full-time work schedule, and is Welch’s good faith estimate as of the date of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for participation in a bonus plan.