FSQA Manager, Kapua Orchards

About the role

You will architect and govern the end-to-end Food Safety and Quality Assurance framework for the Kapua Orchards operation, ensuring every batch of macadamia nuts meets the strictest standards. You own the development, execution, and continuous evolution of the site's FSQA management system, embedding a culture of prevention rather than reaction. You will partner closely with cross-functional teams to align food safety protocols with commercial objectives without compromising compliance or integrity. You are the primary guardian of BRCGS, GMP, and HACCP compliance, translating global standards into site-specific procedures that are practical and auditable. You will lead investigations into non-conformances, driving root cause analysis and corrective actions that eliminate systemic risks. You own the calibration and performance of our quality management system, ensuring data integrity supports confident decision-making. You will serve as the critical link between our on-site orchard and processing activities and the broader regulatory landscape, protecting our brands and our people. You will mentor and elevate the capabilities of the quality team, fostering an environment where rigorous standards are second nature.

Key facts

What you'll do

Develop and implement a comprehensive Food Safety and Quality Management System tailored to the unique flow of macadamia nuts from orchard to finished goods.

Champion the integration of preventive controls, HACCP principles, and sanitation protocols across all processing stages, including husking, drying, cracking, pasteurization, roasting, sizing, and sorting.

Lead the site's preparation for third-party audits, including BRCGS, and ensure ongoing compliance with FDA FSMA regulations and customer-specific requirements.

Establish and maintain robust document control procedures, ensuring that all Standard Operating Procedures (SIPs), Master Sanitation Schedules (MSLs), and specifications are current, accessible, and validated.

Design and execute a data-driven internal audit program that identifies trends, validates process effectiveness, and supports continuous improvement initiatives.

Partner with Operations and Engineering to lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations into product deviations, allergies, and customer complaints, ensuring timely and effective corrective actions.

Define and monitor key quality and food safety metrics, translating complex data into actionable insights for senior leadership and floor teams.

Develop and deliver engaging training programs that empower all staff to understand and uphold food safety policies, audit readiness, and quality standards.

Serve as the primary subject matter expert for quality-related inquiries, interfacing with regulatory bodies, customers, and external auditors with confidence and clarity.

Drive the management of quality records and traceability systems, ensuring reliable product recall readiness and compliance with industry best practices.

Champion the Kaizen philosophy by identifying opportunities to reduce waste, improve yield, and enhance process efficiency within the quality framework.

Collaborate with procurement and receiving to ensure incoming nut specifications are met and that supplier verification processes are rigorous and documented.

Own the development of site-specific food defense and allergen management programs, ensuring they are proactive, practical, and compliant.

Establish performance dashboards and reporting cadences that provide transparency into quality and safety performance against strategic goals.

Champion the Spirit of Hawai'i by fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and safety-obsessed culture that delights both internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

Demonstrate a proven track record of managing Food Safety and Quality Assurance functions in a regulated food manufacturing environment.

Possess a deep understanding of FDA regulations, FSMA requirements, and the ability to apply them to real-world manufacturing scenarios.

Bring extensive experience with global food safety standards, specifically BRCGS, HACCP, and prerequisite programs such as GMP and sanitation protocols.

Showcase a history of successfully managing third-party audits and turning findings into sustainable improvements.

Exhibit strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage, mentor, and develop a team of quality professionals.

Display exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to identifying and resolving complex quality issues.

Hold a Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Quality Assurance, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline; advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., ASQ) are highly valued.

Possess excellent communication skills, capable of conveying technical concepts to diverse audiences, from line staff to executive leadership.

Nice to have

Experience in the tree nut industry, specifically with macadamia nuts, is highly desirable.

Familiarity with agricultural practices in Hawaii and the unique challenges of an island growing environment.

Knowledge of the Kapua Orchards product portfolio and the specific quality attributes required for macadamia products.

Experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma.

Practical notes

This is a full-time salaried position based at our Captain Cook, Hawaii facility.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Relocation assistance is not available for this role.