Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field.
5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in food, beverage, or related manufacturing.
Strong knowledge of FDA regulations, FSMA, GMPs, HACCP, and supplier quality.
Experience in Aseptic process manufacturing.
Proven track record in audits, inspections, and root-cause analysis.
Strong manufacturing orientation with effective collaboration skills.
Excellent leadership and communication abilities.
Responsibilities
Lead the Quality, Food Safety, and Regulatory strategy for the organization.
Establish consistent quality standards and performance expectations.
Ensure compliance with FDA, FSMA, GMP, HACCP, and customer requirements.
Strengthen root-cause analysis and audit processes.
Partner with Operations to enhance first-pass quality and reduce complaints.
Manage customer complaints, regulatory inspections, and audits.
Oversee supplier quality and product compliance documentation.
Support new product commercialization with embedded Quality and Regulatory requirements.
Maintain strong traceability and crisis-management processes.
Develop a high-performing Quality and Regulatory organization.
Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA).
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Identity Theft protection.
401K retirement plan.
Paid Time Off (PTO).
Full Job Description
Summary
Universal Ingredients is seeking a Food Safety & Quality Director to lead our Quality, Food Safety, and Regulatory functions. This leader will establish and strengthen quality systems across the organization, ensure regulatory and food safety compliance, and partner closely with Operations, Commercialization, R&D, Procurement, and Commercial teams.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with practical manufacturing leadership and has a track record of building a preventive, accountable quality culture focused on getting things right the first time.
What You'll Be Doing (Essential Duties)
Lead the overall Quality, Food Safety, and Regulatory strategy for Universal Ingredients.
Establish consistent quality standards, systems, policies, and performance expectations across the organization.
Ensure compliance with applicable FDA, FSMA, GMP, HACCP, SQF/GFSI, labeling, and customer requirements.
Strengthen root-cause analysis, CAPA, change control, SOP/SSOP, and audit processes.
Partner with Operations to improve first-pass quality and reduce complaints, deviations, holds, rework, and recurring quality issues.
Lead customer complaint management, regulatory inspections, certification audits, and customer audits.
Oversee supplier quality, regulatory documentation, specifications, labeling, and product compliance.
Support new product commercialization by embedding Quality and Regulatory requirements early in the process.
Maintain strong traceability, recall preparedness, and crisis-management processes.
Develop and lead a high-performing Quality and Regulatory organization while fostering shared accountability for quality and food safety across the business.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field.
Progressive Quality, Food Safety, and/or Regulatory leadership experience in food, beverage, flavors, ingredients, or related manufacturing.
Experience in Aseptic process manufacturing
Strong knowledge of FDA food regulations, FSMA, GMPs, HACCP, supplier quality, sanitation, traceability, and recall management.
Experience leading audits, inspections, investigations, root-cause analysis, and CAPA.
Strong manufacturing orientation with demonstrated ability to partner effectively with plant operations.
Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Preferred Requirements
PCQI/HACCP certification, GFSI lead auditor certification, and experience in flavors, extracts, food ingredients, or complex food manufacturing
Available Immediately Upon Hire: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, ID Theft, 401K, and PTO
