Quality Manager

Wow Bao is seeking a Quality Manager to lead the Quality Assurance and Compliance functions for our new food manufacturing plant in Forest City, North Carolina. The Quality Manager will be responsible for ensuring adherence to all food safety regulations, including USDA, SQF and FDA requirements, and maintaining high-quality standards across production processes. This individual will oversee audits, develop and enforce quality systems, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and manage supplier quality performance to ensure Wow Bao’s products exceed customer and regulatory expectations.

The manufacturing facility is set to open later this year, and we’re excited to begin reaching out to candidates in the coming weeks. We truly appreciate your patience during this process.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to contact our Human Resources team at careers@wowbao.com—we’re happy to assist!

Thank you for your interest in joining our team—we look forward to connecting soon!

ABOUT WOW BAO

At Wow Bao, we believe that life is too short for uninspired food. We’re here to transform the Asian Street Food experience from every day and expected to extraordinary and inventive. Wow Bao is the fastest growing Frozen Asian Snack brand in the United States growing retail sales over 370% in 2024. Through strategic relationships with retail partners Wow Bao is now available in over 15,000 grocery stores nationwide!

Wow Bao has a long history of manufacturing restaurant quality food, that started in 2003 when the first Wow Bao restaurant location was opened. Today, our omni-channel brand operates several Chicago restaurants, airports, virtual kitchens, and universities. Wow Bao is poised for continued growth within all its verticals, as well as in the corporate setting.

Wow Bao is the only brand to be recognized three times by Fast Casual magazine as a Top 100 Movers & Shaker. Ranked no. 1 in 2019 and 2022 and no. 4 in 2023, we are the only brand to have the honor more than once.

WE FOSTER A CULTURE OF CARING

At Wow Bao, every team member leads from a place of care. Whether it’s our guests or employees, we put people first. We strive to inspire, motivate, and appreciate one another every day. We live by the golden rule and treat everyone with kindness, empathy, respect, and a healthy dose of humor. We take our work, not ourselves, seriously.

RESPONSIBILITIES (Other duties will be assigned as needed)

1. Quality Systems & Compliance:

• Develop, implement, and manage quality and food safety systems in compliance with USDA, FDA, HACCP, and GMP regulations.

• Serve as the primary contact for all regulatory and third-party audits, including USDA inspections and customer quality assessments.
• Maintain documentation and ensure accuracy in compliance records, quality protocols, and product traceability.
• Ensure that all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality manuals, and regulatory policies are up to date and properly implemented throughout the facility.

2. Product Quality & Food Safety:

• Lead quality control sampling and reporting of raw materials, stored products, WIP, and finished goods to ensure products meet company and customer specifications.
• Investigate product non-conformities, perform root cause corrective action (RCCA), and lead preventive actions.
• Monitor and analyze key quality metrics and implement action plans to continuously improve product quality and consistency.

3. Supplier Quality Assurance:

• Conduct and manage supplier quality audits to verify compliance with Wow Bao’s food safety and product specifications.
• Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams to onboard and monitor supplier performance and corrective action plans.
• Work with vendors to resolve quality issues and improve consistency of inbound raw materials and packaging.

4. Team Leadership & Development:

• Manage and mentor the quality assurance team, including quality technicians and sanitation staff.
• Provide ongoing training in HACCP, USDA regulations, allergen control, and sanitation best practices.
• Foster a culture of food safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across all departments.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with operations, R&D, maintenance, and supply chain teams to resolve quality issues and support new product launches.
• Provide quality input into operational decisions to ensure compliance and consumer satisfaction.
• Support production trials, shelf-life studies, and new equipment validation for quality impact.
• Develop and report on key performance indicators and quality performance dashboards.

6. Audit Readiness & Risk Management:

• Prepare for and host regulatory inspections and third-party audits; address findings with thorough documentation and follow-up.
• Conduct internal audits to identify and mitigate risks to food safety and quality compliance.
• Ensure readiness for recalls and traceability exercises; lead mock recall drills and food defense plans.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing quality assurance, with at least 2 years in a leadership role
• Strong understanding of USDA and FDA regulations, HACCP certification required; GMP and SQF Practitioner
• Proven experience with supplier quality management, audits, and RCCA and preventive action systems
• Detail-oriented with excellent analytical, documentation, and organizational skill
• Effective leadership, communication, and team development abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field
• Proficiency in quality management software
• Culture builder
• Lean Six Sigma Certification

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Full-time on-site position based at the Forest City, NC food manufacturing facility
• Occasional travel (up to 20%) for off-site training
• Role requires hands-on plant involvement and participation in audits and inspections
• May require weekend or extended coverage during critical audits or product launches
• Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the production facility
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds at a time
• Ability to work in various environments including cold environments for extended periods
• Use of protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection

Wow Bao is an Equal Opportunity Employer

• Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision)

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Voluntary life insurance

• Voluntary disability insurance

• Paid Time Off

• Paid Sick Leave
• Employee Discount Programs with Perkspot and Working Advantage

• We foster a culture of CARE