Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Executive Director of Safe Food Certifications is responsible for the overall leadership, financial performance, operations, accreditation compliance, and strategic direction of DFA of California's certification body subsidiary - Safe Food Certifications LLC.
The successful candidate will combine extensive knowledge of third-party food safety certification programs, including BRCGS, SQF, GFSI-recognized standards, and ISO/IEC 17065, with demonstrated ability to lead employees, manage financial performance, implement operational improvements, and drive profitable growth.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesLeadership and People Management- Lead, develop, and manage certification body personnel, including employees and contract auditors.
- Establish clear performance expectations, conduct regular employee evaluations, provide coaching, and address performance deficiencies.
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service.
- Recruit and retain qualified personnel while developing organizational capabilities to support growth.
Financial and Operational Management- Assume responsibility for the certification body's P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, cost management, and profitability.
- Develop and monitor key performance indicators, including auditor utilization, scheduling efficiency, service turnaround, and financial performance.
- Identify and implement operational improvements to increase productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
- Oversee daily certification operations, ensuring effective resource allocation, timely service delivery, and consistent execution.
- Implement technology and process improvements to improve workflow, reporting, and operational effectiveness.
Certification and Accreditation Oversight- Ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17065, BRCGS, SQF, and applicable accreditation and scheme requirements.
- Provide leadership and oversight of technical personnel responsible for auditor competency, quality management systems, technical reviews, and certification decisions.
- Maintain certification integrity, impartiality, and compliance throughout all certification activities.
- Oversee accreditation assessments, scheme-owner relationships, corrective actions, and continuous improvement activities.
- Monitor industry standards and certification requirements to ensure ongoing compliance and program effectiveness.
Strategic Planning and Business Development- Develop and execute strategic plans focused on profitable growth, operational excellence, and customer retention.
- Collaborate with Growth and Innovation department to expand certification services, customers, and market opportunities.
- Evaluate new programs, strategic partnerships, and opportunities for business expansion.
- Participate in senior leadership meetings and provide regular updates on financial results, operational performance, and strategic initiatives.
Requirements
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Safety, or related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Minimum seven years of experience in food safety certification, third-party auditing, or certification body operations.
- Minimum five years of management experience, including direct supervision of employees.
- Strong working knowledge of BRCGS, SQF, GFSI-recognized certification programs, and ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation requirements.
- Demonstrated success managing employees, establishing accountability, and improving organizational performance.
- Experience managing budgets, analyzing financial results, and improving operational efficiency.
- Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred- Previous senior leadership experience within an accredited certification body.
- Direct responsibility for departmental or business unit P&L performance.
- Experience managing employee and contract auditors.
- Demonstrated success driving operational improvements and business growth.
Working Conditions- Hybrid or office-based position requiring regular engagement with certification body personnel.
- Occasional domestic and international travel as necessary.
Benefits- Company sponsored Health, Dental, Vision
- Life/AD&D, LTD
- 401k with up to a 5% match
Salary Description
$160,000 - $170,000
