Food Safety and Quality Assurance Supervisor

Are you known for exceeding expectations? Do you embrace the Spirit of Hawai‘i? Then please keep reading because we’re looking for people like you at Hawaiian Host Group.

Who are we? Hawaiian Host Group (HHG) is a leading Hawai‘i-based consumer goods company with a portfolio of brands that includes Hawaiian Host, Mauna Loa, MacFarms, and Kapua Orchards. Sold in over 23 countries, HHG produces a suite of products ranging from flavored macadamia nuts to premium treats. Our dedicated team of Hosts of Hawai‘i is spread across our headquarters in Honolulu and offices in Hilo, Kona, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. HHG has 3 manufacturing plants in Hawai'i, as well as the state's largest single macadamia farm.

We are an excited team of people that all have one vision in common: sharing the Spirit of Hawai‘i with the world. Expect camaraderie, product tastings, and other (virtual and in-person) events that make our culture unique. And more importantly, know that your work contributes to our purpose; to make the Islands’ future flourish. We do this through our Takitani foundation that grants scholarships to deserving local students, our solar farm on the Big Island, and other social & environmental initiatives.

That’s enough about us for now, we’d love to learn more about you. Read the job description below and let us know if you’re interested. We can’t wait to meet you!

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager, the FSQA Supervisor assists with developing, implementing, and managing QA programs and activities to ensure compliance with company policies, food safety standards, government regulations, and industry best practices, including GMP, HACCP, and FSMA. This role provides leadership in driving continuous improvement for product and process quality.

The QA Supervisor ensures that all products meet safety, consistency, and quality standards by conducting timely and accurate testing and sampling, verifying proper labeling, and ensuring functionality. This role requires comprehensive product knowledge and strong communication skills to effectively guide and inform employees on required procedures and operations.

Additionally, the FSQA Supervisor manages FSQA staff to provide actionable data on operations, inspects incoming raw materials and packaging, and oversees finished product quality for distribution. Key responsibilities include conducting in-house audits, investigating non-conformances, performing root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions. The position also ensures thorough documentation, accurate labeling, and adherence to food-safe procedures throughout the distribution process.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: :
Food Safety & Quality Assurance:

• Ensure compliance with all food safety and quality programs, including GMP, HACCP, FSMA, and regulatory standards by monitoring team adherence and reporting any concerns.

• Support the implementation and maintenance of FSQ programs (SOPs, HACCP, SSOP, GMP), ensuring team understanding and compliance.

• Assist in maintaining and updating the FSQ Program Manual, HACCP Plans, and related policies.

• Conduct and document food safety and quality inspections, verifying adherence to requirements and customer specifications.

• Track and report on Food Safety and Quality Objectives, KPIs, and assist in preparing monthly reports.

• Assist with plant audits to verify compliance with HI-DOH, FDA, third-party (GFSI), and customer audit requirements.

• Support audit preparation by reviewing documentation and ensuring necessary records are available.

• Monitor supplier approval documentation and assist in conducting audits for local and domestic suppliers.

• Maintain compliance records for the company’s supplier approval program and ensure proper documentation is on file.

• Monitor production processes and sanitation procedures to ensure quality and safety standards are met.

• Identify and report non-conformances, customer complaints, or quality issues and support corrective actions as directed.

• Assist in managing the HACCP program, including performing assessments and updating plans under management direction.

• Support the company’s Recall and Food Defense Program, including participating in mock recalls and traceability exercises.

• Maintain accurate records and documentation for all food safety and quality programs.

• Ensure FSQA teams follow established protocols and report deviations to management.

• Provide on-the-job training and guidance to team members to ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and workplace safety standards.

• Uphold and promote plant safety procedures, ensuring adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements.

• Assist in monitoring cleaning activities, ensuring compliance with established schedules and procedures.

Leadership, Coaching and Development:

• Supervise and train FSQA team members, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and effective job performance.

• Guide staff in developing processes, specifications, and preventive controls to maintain high-quality standards in finished goods.

• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training team members to meet performance goals and company expectations.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by participating in and leading initiatives aimed at enhancing product quality and operational processes.

• Develop and implement training programs to support quality, food safety, and food defense objectives.

• Create individual development plans for team members and provide coaching to enhance team performance and morale.

• Verify and review FSQA and production records, ensuring timely completion and proper filing.

• Confirm daily pre-op compliance, assist with QA/production training, and conduct on-the-job compliance verifications.

• Demonstrate effective leadership skills to guide and manage a diverse team.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES: :
• Adhere to all duties and standards in alignment with company policies and procedures.

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support team and company objectives.

• Regular attendance is required for the position.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED: :
• Bachelor’s degree in food science, food engineering, biology/microbiology, or chemistry; or equivalent experience in Food Safety & Quality Assurance.

• Minimum 2 years in Quality Assurance supervisory experience in food manufacturing.

• Strong leadership and management skills.

• Ability to perform college level mathematical and statistical calculations.

• Ability to summarize, interpret test data and make recommendations.

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills. Able to conduct clear, concise, and convincing business presentations.

• Proficient in computer systems and applications.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule (i.e., night/day shift) and weekends, as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: :
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• The position requires carrying less than 30 pounds; bending; stooping; crouching; side bending; overhead reaching; handling; stair climbing; forward reaching; grasping; sitting; standing; walking, finger dexterity; vision; hearing; eye-hand-foot coordination.

COMMUNICATION DEMANDS: :
• The position requires talking to employees, supervisors and managers and outside trade persons/vendors; written communication to employees, supervisors, managers, and outside persons/vendors; responding to written or verbal requests; reading; composing written language; receiving verbal and written instructions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: :
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in an office environment but may be exposed to weather conditions while traveling.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually light.

Hawaiian Host Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.