POSITION SUMMARYThe Director will design and maintain comprehensive quality and food safety policies and procedures, partner closely with cross-functional leaders, and ensure full compliance with all dairy-related regulations. This leader works collaboratively with Operations, R&D, Procurement, Logistics, and other teams to embed quality and food safety into daily operations and long-term planning.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive Quality Control and Food Safety program.
- Build and oversee a robust product testing program, including microbiological testing, that ensures consumer safety and meets all regulatory requirements.
- Lead the Corporate Quality Assurance & Food Safety function, driving performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Provide functional guidance and support to Plant Management and Plant Quality Assurance teams.
- Manage the internal audit program for manufacturing plants, DSD operations, co-packers, ingredient and packaging suppliers, and distribution partners.
- Lead activation and coordination of product recalls; conduct mock recalls across all manufacturing locations, co-packers, and distribution centers.
- Oversee the Customer and Consumer complaint response process, ensuring timely investigation and resolution.
- Maintain strong relationships with industry organizations to stay ahead of regulatory changes and emerging trends.
- Serve as the senior liaison with regulatory agencies on all Quality and Food Safety matters.
- Develop and track key metrics and benchmarks for companywide QA & FS performance.
- Establish regular quality and product safety reviews with local teams to reinforce accountability and continuous improvement.
- Create and maintain a corporate review process in partnership with R&D, Sales, and Marketing.
- Ensure compliance with company, local, state, and federal regulations; support regulatory and third-party audits and day-to-day plant operations.
- Uphold and enforce all food safety and quality system requirements, including regulatory, customer, and Safe Quality Foods (SQF) standards.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE- Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field required.
- Ten (10) years of experience in dairy manufacturing or related food production, including at least five (5) years in a management role.
- Broad business experience, including budget and cost management.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with all levels of the organization, senior leadership, customers, consumers, and regulatory officials.
- Strong leadership capabilities with demonstrated success managing teams and priorities across multiple locations.
- Highly self-directed, with strong organizational skills and the ability to set priorities and execute responsibilities independently.
- Proven ability to guide and develop team members to meet deliverables and performance expectations.
- Proficiency in standard business software, including spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation tools.
