About ACE Sushi

ACE Sushi is a leading provider of fresh, high-quality sushi in supermarkets, universities, and business locations across the country. With a strong commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction, we strive to deliver an exceptional experience to our customers and franchise partners.

About the Role

The Senior Manager, Food Safety & Quality Assurance (“FSQA”) is responsible for responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of food safety and quality assurance programs across all store locations. This role ensures that all operations adhere to local, state, and federal food safety regulations while maintaining the highest standards of product quality. The Senior Manager, FSQA will also lead cross-functional initiatives to train and educate field leaders, trainers, corporate/temporary chefs, and franchisees, manage audits, and track compliance to ensure operational excellence and customer safety.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Direct supervision of a Permitting Coordinator and a Food Safety Specialist.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Company policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; providing feedback on performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Provides active coaching to achieve goals.

You'll be excited about this opportunity because you will...

1.    Food Safety Program Development & Implementation:

 ·      Lead the design, development, and implementation of food safety policies, procedures, and programs, ensuring they comply with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

 ·      Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for food safety and sanitation.

 ·      Maintain ACE’s Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans to meet local regulatory agency requirements and ensure compliance across all stores and locations.

2.    Audits & Compliance:

 ·      Manage the health permitting process for all new store openings and renewals.

 ·      Resolve escalated health department issues. Establish, develop, and maintain alliances with regulatory and industry partners.

 ·      Apply for all business sales tax licenses and variances.

 ·      Maintain current Letters of Guarantee and Parasite Destruction Letters.

 ·      Review internal and third-party food safety audits to identify, prioritize and develop corrective action plans to facilitate field operations team follow up and compliance with food safety requirements.

 ·      Conduct investigations on reported matters of product quality, food service operations, compliance, and related categories

 ·      Maintain current records of food safety certifications for all franchisees and helpers. Alert franchisees and Regional Managers on pending renewals.

 ·      Review internal audits conducted by field operations or food safety team to ensure compliance with food safety protocols.

 ·      Partner with Regional Managers and trainers to manage third-party food safety audits (Steritech) and health department inspections, ensuring all locations are prepared and meet required standards.

 ·      Track and report on compliance with local, state, and federal food safety regulations.

 ·      Analyze internal and Steritech audit data to develop retraining programs.

3.    Quality Assurance:

 ·      Oversee quality assurance programs to ensure consistent product quality, from sourcing to store level.

 ·      Monitor quality control procedures for both new and existing products to ensure all meet ACE Sushi’s safety and quality standards.

 ·      Investigate customer complaints related to food safety or product quality, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.

 ·      Ensure that the nutritional information, ingredient labels and weights and measures for all existing and new finished products comply with current FDA requirements.

 ·      Perform sensory and/or microbiological testing of new products as necessary.

4.    Training & Development:

·      Develop and lead training programs for regional managers, trainers, corporate/temporary chefs, and franchisees on food safety protocols, sanitation, sushi handling procedures, and allergens.

 ·      In partnership with HR/Training, develop and maintain ACE’s Food Safety Essentials certification program for franchisees, trainers, and field leaders.

 ·      Guide franchisees through ServSafe© exam and certification process. May assist with proctoring exams for internal regional classes.

 ·      Collaborate with the Training Specialist to develop and maintain online food safety curriculum and job aids for ACE University.

 ·      Ensure that all chefs and corporate/field operations staff are informed of and compliant with up-to-date food safety regulations, best practices, and internal policies.

5.    New Store Openings & Projects:

·      Collaborate with the operations team on food safety planning for new store openings, including facility inspections, equipment setup, and team training.

 ·      In partnership with operations, ensure that all new locations are fully compliant with health and safety regulations prior to opening.

 ·      Develop and execute other food safety or related projects as assigned.

6.    Continuous Improvement:

·      Regularly review and update food safety and quality assurance processes to reflect changes in regulations, industry standards, and company growth.

 ·      Implement systems to track and improve food safety performance metrics, health department communication, corrective action plans, and training across all locations.

7.    Team Leadership & Collaboration:

·      Lead the food safety and quality assurance specialists, providing direction, mentorship, and development opportunities.

·      Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, supply chain, and product development, to address food safety concerns and implement solutions.

We're excited about you because you have...

·          Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Public Health, or a related field.

·          Experience in the sushi industry and franchise business, REQUIRED

·          Relevant certifications (e.g., HACCP, ServSafe© Food Protection Manager and Instructor) REQUIRED.

·          5+ years of experience in food safety and quality assurance, with at least 2 years in a management role.

·          Experience in the food service, retail, or franchise industries is preferred.

·          Strong understanding of food safety regulations (FDA, USDA, local health departments) and quality assurance methodologies.

·          Excellent leadership, organization and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

·          Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

·          Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.

Why Join ACE Sushi?

·        Be part of a growing and innovative brand that values excellence and teamwork.

·        Have a leadership team that wants to do the right thing and is open to new ideas.

·        Opportunity to shape and drive the future of ACE Sushi’s operations and growth strategy.

·        Competitive salary and comprehensive health benefits.

How to Apply

If you are a strategic leader with a passion for continuous improvement, ensuring compliance across all stores, and maintaining the highest standards of product quality, we want to hear from you! Submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected].