Overview
Quality Control Manager Jobs in Lake Charles, LA at Farmers Rice Milling Company, LLC
Farmers Rice Milling Company – Lake Charles, Louisiana
Job Overview
Farmers Rice Milling Company is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Quality Control Manager to lead and continuously improve our food safety, quality assurance, and certification programs. The ideal candidate will oversee all aspects of quality control throughout the rice milling process while ensuring compliance with SQF, USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, and Kosher certification requirements. This position plays a critical role in maintaining product integrity, customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and audit readiness.
Responsibilities Food Safety & Quality Systems
- Lead and maintain the company’s food safety and quality management programs.
- Develop, implement, verify, and improve quality control procedures across all production areas.
- Ensure compliance with SQF standards, HACCP principles, and customer specifications.
- Maintain audit readiness and oversee corrective and preventive action (CAPA) programs.
Raw Rice Receiving & Supplier Management
- Manage approved supplier programs and maintain required certification documentation.
- Conduct supplier risk assessments and qualification reviews.
- Oversee receiving inspections, sampling procedures, moisture testing, and quality verification.
- Ensure segregation and traceability of organic, conventional, certified, and non-certified products.
Production Quality Control
- Monitor quality standards throughout milling, packaging, and storage operations.
- Verify sanitation and cleaning procedures to prevent cross-contamination.
- Maintain process control records, CCP monitoring, verification activities, and quality documentation.
- Oversee rework programs and ensure full traceability throughout production.
Finished Product Quality Assurance
- Review and release finished products before shipment.
- Verify grading, moisture levels, defect analysis, labeling accuracy, and certification claims.
- Maintain Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and shipment release documentation.
- Ensure all packaging complies with applicable certification requirements.
Certification & Regulatory Compliance
- Manage SQF, USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, and Kosher certification programs.
- Coordinate internal audits, external audits, inspections, and certification renewals.
- Maintain documentation control, record retention programs, and compliance reporting.
- Serve as the primary point of contact during customer, regulatory, and certification audits.
Laboratory & Testing Oversight
- Manage laboratory equipment calibration and testing programs.
- Review moisture analysis, defect testing, gluten testing, ATP testing, and other quality metrics.
- Ensure testing records are accurate, traceable, and compliant with certification requirements.
Storage & Inventory Quality Management
- Monitor warehouse and silo conditions.
- Maintain pest control, environmental monitoring, and FIFO inventory practices.
- Ensure proper product segregation and storage compliance.
Leadership & Training
- Lead, coach, and develop quality control personnel.
- Conduct employee training on food safety, GMPs, sanitation, allergen control, and certification requirements.
- Maintain training records and ensure workforce compliance with quality standards.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Traceability & Recall Readiness
- Maintain lot tracking and traceability systems from raw material receipt through finished product shipment.
- Conduct mock recalls and verify rapid traceability capabilities.
- Ensure accurate documentation supporting all certification programs.
QualificationsRequired
- 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing quality assurance or quality control.
- Experience with food safety systems, HACCP, GMPs, and regulatory compliance.
- Strong knowledge of quality management systems and auditing processes.
- Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and implement corrective actions.
Preferred
- Direct experience with:
- SQF Certification
- USDA Organic Certification
- Non-GMO Verification Programs
- Gluten-Free Certification
- Kosher Compliance Programs
- Previous experience in grain, rice, food processing, or agricultural manufacturing environments.
Key Performance Indicators
Success in this role will be measured by:
- SQF and certification audit scores
- Customer complaint reduction
- Non-conformance rates
- Traceability accuracy
- Cleaning and sanitation validation effectiveness
- Certification compliance success rates
Work Environment
- Work performed in production, laboratory, warehouse, and office settings.
- Exposure to dust, noise, and approved food-grade chemicals.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required in designated areas.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off
- 401(k) with company match
- Professional development opportunities
- Stable, growing family-owned company with opportunities for advancement
Pay: $20.00 – $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Title: Quality Control Manager
Company: Farmers Rice Milling Company, LLC
Location: Lake Charles, LA
Category:
