Sapporo brewed the first beer of Japan in 1876. It’s now the number one selling Asian beer brand in the U.S. thanks to its best-selling Sapporo Premium. Sapporo acquired Stone Brewing in 2022 to brew all of Sapporo’s beer for the U.S. market. Stone Brewing, established in 1996, pioneered the West Coast Style IPA, helping to fuel the modern craft beer revolution. Now one company, Sapporo-Stone Brewing is among the 15 largest breweries in the U.S. and operates production facilities in Escondido, CA and Richmond, VA plus seven Stone Brewing taproom and bistro locations. We’ve enjoyed a rich history following our passion and are in search of people who take great pride in building our legacy for the future. 

Summary 

The QA Manager is responsible for leading the Quality programs at Sapporo-Stone’s Escondido Brewery. This includes implementing and verifying quality strategies and systems for food/beer safety, regulatory compliance, and beer quality requirements. The QA Manager will implement best practices which contribute to world class standards of operation through monitoring and evaluating QA standards to continuously improve performance. Effectively partners with brewery personnel to improve process and beer quality. Develops local strategies and tactics in alignment with the brewery and integrated supply chain / warehousing strategic plan. Strong interpersonal skills and team orientation; technical and problem-solving skills; Ability to use data for process improvement and leadership and change management skills is critical for this role. 

Responsibilities  

• Implement and manage QA program and Standard Operating Procedures with regards to incoming materials, analytical, sensory, microbiology, sanitation, brewing, fermenting, aging, filtration, blending, finishing, packaging, warehousing, and distribution of finished packaged beer. 
• Formulate and maintain quality control objectives and coordinates objectives with production procedures with other managers to maximize quality and reliability and to minimize costs. 
• Oversee the development and analysis of statistical data and specifications to determine present standards and establish proposed quality and reliability expectancy. 
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment such as GC, UV Spectrometer, pH, cell counter, alkalizer and densitometer. 
• Manage process capabilities of laboratory instrumentation and equipment. 
• Make recommendations for new laboratory instrumentation, equipment, and services. Coordinate and manage vendor service contracts and agreements. 
• Manage QA team to ensure continuous control over materials, facilities, services, and beer. 
• Plan, promote, and organize training activities related to quality and reliability. 
• Analyze technical data and recognize trends that adversely impact quality. 
• Apply high level root-cause analysis and problem-solving skills to resolve process and beer quality issues or concerns. 
• Assist in the investigation of nonconforming goods in the three-tier system. 
• Participate in supplier site audits. 
• Participate in internal auditing, including audits and inspections by 3rd parties. 
• Manage, track, and trace for finished goods. 
• Ensure all quality analysis functions are performed according to established Minimum Check Frequencies. 
• Lead safety, financial and operational performance, laboratory asset care and reliability for the quality assurance business function. 
• Promote the production of high-quality finished goods that are safely, reliably, and efficiently handled throughout the supply chain. 
• Lead, mentor, and develop team and facilitate interdepartmental, cross functional exposure in other operational areas. 
• Promote and consult with leadership on strategies to create an inclusive and engaging work environment. 
• Keep up to date on any changing food safety regulations and train team members. 
• Perform monthly cGMP audits.  
• Monitor and ensure the safety and quality of brewery beer by adhering to all regulations, policies, programs, and related guidelines. 
• Promote safety throughout the brewery. 
• Responsible for the Quality KPIs such as Sensory, Consumer Complaints and Micro. 

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, preferably in a Science or Engineering field such as Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, Microbiology. 
• At least 5 years of directly related experience leading and managing quality in a manufacturing facility; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Must have knowledge of and experience with GMPs/GLPs.  
• Knowledge of brewing process from a QA standpoint is essential, including ASBC methods.  
• Experience showing a demonstrated understanding of the concepts of manufacturing such as Six Sigma, Process Capability, World Class Manufacturing, TQA, etc. highly desired as well as demonstrated ability to establish and implement plans for changing workplace strategies.  
• Must have knowledge of or experience with HACCP. Experience with inline instrumentation and yeast propagation a plus. Food sensory analysis training/experience a plus. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and SharePoint. 
• Cicerone program or Brewing certificate a plus. TTB Certified Chemist a plus. 
• Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and written. 
• Travel Requirements: occasional travel required to other Sapporo-Stone locations, events, expos, supplier evaluations, and fellow manufacturing facilities. 

Compensation, Benefits & Perks 

• Annual Salary Range: $100,000 - $130,000 
• Annual Bonus Plan: Eligible for up to 5% 
• Comprehensive Health Insurance, 401(k), and Bonuses for Eligible Team Members  
• Company beer perks program and discounts  
• Paid Time Off – including Vacation accrual, Sick Leave, and 12 paid Holidays  
• Benefit programs supporting Financial Wellness, Health & Wellness and Career Development   

Sapporo-Stone Brewing is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, citizenship status, various ability status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression of an otherwise qualified individual, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law. Sapporo-Stone Brewing hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications for the job to be filled.

Sapporo-Stone Brewing seeks to build a culturally diverse staff where differences are valued and respected. Women, minorities, individuals with various abilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ and intersectional individuals are encouraged to apply.