Job DescriptionThe FSQA Manager, Technical Services serves as the technical authority for ingredient commercialization, supplier qualification, specification management, and product quality performance. This role leads complex innovation, renovation, supply continuity, and supplier onboarding projects from concept through full-scale implementation. The position partners cross-functionally with Product Development, Procurement, Supply Chain Operations, Marketing, Regulatory, and suppliers to help ensure ingredients meet food safety, quality, regulatory, operational, and brand standards.
What You'll Do- Lead end-to-end commercialization activities for new ingredients, suppliers, and product renovation initiatives from concept through full-scale implementation.
- Serve as the technical authority for supplier qualification and approval, scale-up activities, troubleshooting, plant trials and validation, product evaluations, risk assessment and mitigation, project management, timeline management, specifications, and technical standards.
- Lead complex innovation, renovation, supply continuity, supplier onboarding, and ingredient qualification projects that support innovation and supply chain initiatives.
- Review, create, and modify ingredient and supplier specifications, including product attributes, analytical measures, and technical standards.
- Partner on cross-functional teams as a subject matter expert, communicating the impact of changes to leadership and supporting ingredient quality and brand standards.
- Identify and lead implementation of process improvements that enhance quality, consistency, cost optimization, and development processes, including SOPs, specifications, and procedures.
- Lead food safety and quality assurance activities related to ingredient commercialization, supplier qualification, product evaluations, and technical standards while identifying system gaps and implementing risk-reduction solutions.
- Guide, develop, and oversee plans for consumer and analytical product testing to support product evaluation and decision-making.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Food Science or a related field, or equivalent experience and expertise.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in Food Safety & Quality Assurance or Product Development, preferably within the QSR industry.
- Relevant food safety certification or equivalent, such as ServSafe, HACCP, IFT, Food Analysis, Food Testing, Food Processing, Lean Manufacturing, or similar evidence of continued education.
- Strong knowledge of test plan development, data collection, statistical analysis, and data summarization, with the ability to communicate findings and recommendations to leadership.
- Strong analytical, presentation, written, and verbal communication skills with outstanding attention to detail.
- Proven background in food manufacturing, quality management, food safety, and manufacturing troubleshooting.
- Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Ability to understand and monitor market-relevant data streams to anticipate impacts and proactively plan to protect customers and consumers.
- Outstanding relationship-building skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent product and equipment knowledge and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to be on call 24 hours a day and travel without extended notice.
- Ability to travel approximately 30%.
Additional InformationBenefits:
• Paid Holidays and Vacation
• Medical, Dental & Vision benefits that start on the first day of employment
• No-cost mental health support for employee and dependents
• Childcare tuition discounts
• No-cost fitness, nutrition, and wellness programs
• Fertility benefits
• Adoption assistance
• 401k matching contributions
• 15% off the purchase price of stock
• Company bonus
