Quality Assurance Manager

Patco Brands is one of the fastest-growing beverage companies in the United States. Independently owned, Patco has established itself by using 100% Blue Weber Agave and a proprietary process to innovate within the fast-growing ready-to-drink spirits category. Patco is a maker of margaritas, tequila, hard seltzers, Irish cream liqueur, and other spirits under our own brands and for private labels. Our own brands and private labels, with nationwide distribution, include: · Rancho La Gloria Ready to Drink Margaritas · Rancho La Gloria Ranch Water · Big Sipz · Kirkland Signature Tequila · Kirkland Signature Hard Seltzers · Dough Ball Whiskey Patco products are sold in every major retailer, including Costco, H.E.B., Kroger’s, Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods Market, just to name a few. Summary: The Quality Assurance Manager will assume the duty of quality support to optimize key quality-related functions for MPL Brands in relation to the Mexico Operation. This role will have a strong focus on preventive quality systems to join our tequila and wine production team. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining robust QA programs emphasizing proactive risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and product excellence throughout the entire production lifecycle—from raw material intake to bottling. Main Duties Include: ● Develop and implement preventive quality systems to avoid defects, contamination, or compliance issues. ● Identify potential quality and safety risks in the production process and implement corrective actions before issues arise. ● Conduct regular process audits, risk assessments, and gap analyses to identify continuous improvement opportunities. ● Ensure strict adherence to FDA, TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau), and international quality standards. ● Maintain compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), FSMA, and relevant alcohol industry regulations. ● Lead and mentor QA staff, technicians, and cross-functional production team members in quality best practices. ● Foster a “quality-first” culture rooted in education, accountability, and proactive problem-solving. ● Collaborate with R&D, production, procurement, and warehousing to embed QA principles throughout operations. ● Oversee quality documentation systems, including SOPs, quality records, traceability logs, and recall readiness plans. ● Develop and track KPIs (e.g., non-conformance rate, first-pass yield, customer complaints, etc.). ● Analyze trends and provide actionable insights to drive continuous improvement. ● Manage and control Mexico Plant-related Corrective and Preventive action plans (CAPAs) by working closely with the US Contract Manufacturing Quality Control Manager. Ensure CAPA due dates, completion, and effectiveness are accurately in place. ● Assess the quality of incoming materials/labels/finished goods to ensure they meet specifications and coinciding COA’s and Patco Specification Sheets. ● Ensure that the COAs comply with MPL Brands specification for all finished good samples and provide in a timely manner to the US QA team. ● Assist the US QA Team by reviewing and investigating Customer Claims related to MPL Brands Mexico Products. ● Work closely with Contract Manufacturers to ensure all products are produced with the highest quality. ● Travel to local Contract Manufacturing facilities to be continuously present for production runs. Document all site visits utilizing Patco’s QMS Platform. ● Complete documented Sensory evaluations for every product produced in Mexico. ● Demonstrate adherence to TTB and FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), OSHA standards, SQF, BRC, FSSC2200, and HACCP principles. ● Participate in cross-functional launch teams as a Quality expert advising on Mexico Contract manufacturing site selection, product design, and specification development. ● Coordinate sample retrievals, testing needs, and other functions as needed to ensure product quality is reviewed and exceptional. Personality: ● Positive attitude. ● Accepts responsibility for actions taken. ● Seeks additional responsibility without being asked. ● Works as a team player. ● Embody a creative, continuous improvement mindset. ● Driven by creativity, exploration, and innovation. Qualifications and Requirements: ● Bachelors degree in Food Science or equivalent in experience (8 years of Quality Management experience) ● Minimum 5 years of Quality Assurance experience in food/beverage manufacturing; experience in spirits/wine preferred. ● Proficient in MS Office applications ● Basic math and problem-solving skills ● Strong knowledge of preventive food safety programs, HACCP, FSMA, and regulatory requirements for alcoholic beverages. ● Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail ● Familiarity with fermentation, distillation, filtration, blending, and bottling processes. ● HACCP, PCQI, and Internal Audit certifications are a plus. ● Knowledge of GFSI programs and related experience is a plus. ● Ability to effectively plan, prioritize, and execute multiple tasks in a high-pressure environment. ● Ability to use a collaborative approach to accomplish work goals and develop relationships within the team by listening, sharing, and appreciating others’ ideas. ● Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language. ● Bilingual (English Fluent/Spanish Fluent) is required. ● Ability to travel ~70% of the time. ● Passport required ● Salary $60,000 - $80,000 Pesos per month

Location: Guadalajara, MX

Posted Date: 4/30/2025