Director, Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA)
The Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance will lead the development, implementation, and management of food safety and quality assurance (FSQA) programs across a complex manufacturing facility. This executive role is responsible for ensuring that all food products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. The Director will work closely with various departments, including operations, sales, and R&D, to promote a culture of continuous improvement in food safety and quality.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute the company's FSQA strategy, aligning with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive FSQA documentation, including SOPs, HACCP plans, and food safety management systems.
- Build and lead a team of food safety and quality professionals, providing direction, training, and mentorship.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality-related issues, ensuring continuous improvement.
- Conduct risk assessments and implement preventive controls to mitigate food safety risks.
- Collaborates with various departments to implement strategies that continuously improve quality and ensure compliance with standards.
- Communicates directly with customers to understand their needs and concerns, then converts these insights into plant-level improvements.
- Partakes in internal, customer, and third-party audits, ensuring the facility is always prepared and adheres to sanitation and quality policies.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, and sanitation, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations and quality management systems (e.g., HACCP, FSMA, GFSI).
- Strong leadership, influencing, and team management skills, with the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
- Certification in food safety and/or Lean Si Sigma (e.g., HACCP, PCQI, Green Belt, lead auditor, etc.).
- Experience working with liquid food products (i.e. sauces, dressings, emulsions, etc.).
