Food Safety Quality Assurance Director

About the Role

The Food Safety Quality Assurance Director oversees food safety and quality assurance across two production facilities, ensuring compliance with USDA, FDA, and SQF standards. This role requires expertise in manufacturing sauces, marinades, dips, and hummus, including both cold and hot fill production. The Director leads the Quality Assurance team and collaborates with internal departments to uphold the highest product standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee risk assessments and implement preventative measures for product safety and quality.
• Ensure compliance with SQF certification requirements, including document control, records, HACCP, and training programs.
• Manage internal audits, conduct supplier audits, and oversee external inspections.
• Collaborate with Operations, Sales, Supply Chain, and Engineering to maintain quality standards.
• Audit production quality and customer standards, implementing necessary improvements.
• Monitor compliance with food safety programs, policies, and regulations.
• Coordinate testing and quality assurance for new product launches.
• Lead and mentor the quality staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Maintain knowledge of USDA, FDA, and regulatory standards.
• Drive initiatives to enhance product quality across manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in food quality assurance, with at least 2 years in a USDA or FDA regulated manufacturing environment.
• Bachelors degree in Food Safety, Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, or a related field (Masters preferred).
• SQF Practitioner certification required.
• Experience in the production of sauces, marinades, dips, and hummus (both cold and hot fill).
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in regulatory compliance, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Desired Qualifications

• Masters degree in Food Science or a related field.
• Experience in a multi-facility quality leadership role.
• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification.
• Experience with customer and third-party audits.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills.