JM Smucker Company

Vice President, Quality Assurance

JM Smucker Company$160K — $200K *
Food & Beverages
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or related field.
  • 15+ years of QA management experience in the Food/CPG industry.
  • Proven leadership in quality functions across food and beverage operations.
  • Operational expertise in FDA/USDA-regulated environments.
  • Experience in managing large quality organizations.

Responsibilities

  • Act as the company expert in Quality Assurance and Food Safety matters.
  • Enhance Smucker's Food Safety and Quality culture.
  • Provide technical leadership across all organizational levels.
  • Lead and develop a team of six to advance quality and safety initiatives.
  • Implement comprehensive Food Safety and Quality Processes to meet regulatory requirements.
  • Drive Food Safety improvements via newly formed Food Safety Center of Excellence.
  • Manage crisis responses with senior leadership and legal teams.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work arrangement with 35% in-office expectation.
  • Opportunity to influence key company leaders, including the CEO and Board of Directors.
  • Visibility in addressing significant regulatory inspections and inquiries.
Full Job Description
Your Opportunity as the Vice President, Quality Assurance

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Science & Technical Excellence, you will be the face of our Company for all things quality and food safety. Smucker is a make/pack/ship company at our core and we believe that everyone is responsible for quality and food safety. Collaboratively lead from the front to ensure quality is deeply embedded throughout our Company's systems and processes. Establish the strategic direction of the department consistent with our Company's short- and long-term objectives, talent development and deployment of technical expertise to achieve operational excellence across the manufacturing network, on-time/on-budget project execution and delivery of performance objectives. Due to our Company's strategic focus on Food Safety and Quality Assurance, this position and the team's progress will have regular visibility with the CEO, Leadership Team and Board of Directors.

Location: Orrville, OH

Work Arrangements: Hybrid, 35% in office expectation with up to 35% travel annually

In this role you will:
  • Serve as the Smucker leader and expert in all Quality Assurance and Food Safety matters, internal and external.
  • Further enhance the Food Safety and Quality Culture at Smucker facilities towards continuous food safety improvement.
  • Provides technical leadership, direction and advice across levels - from executive level to plant teams.
  • Lead and develop a team of six, fostering future leaders while advancing quality, food safety, compliance, and continuous improvement across the organization.
  • Continued implementation of comprehensive Food Safety and Quality Processes throughout the Company and supply chain to meet FSMA & SFCR requirements.
  • Drive further Food Safety enhancements through newly formed Food Safety Center of Excellence
  • Build food safety technical acumen within and throughout the ~20 company-owned manufacturing facilities and the broader manufacturing and supply chain footprint
  • Utilize internal and external experts to continually challenge the food safety program for high-risk products to maintain our industry leading position (specifically microbiological and mycotoxin programs)
  • Convene and Lead Food Safety Escalation Team as needed
  • Manage crisis management program and response in conjunction with Vice President and Deputy General Counsel and Vice President, Communications.
  • Be the QA leader (visible inside and outside the company) during:
    • FDA, USDA, CFIA and state inspections;
    • Response to inquiries and notices form FDA and other regulatory agencies, including Form 483s;
    • Evaluation of environmental and finished product test results;
    • Withdrawals and recalls
  • Maintain a high level of expertise on all food safety and quality related subjects, including regulations, legislation, and trends in the US and abroad.
  • Communicate situation assessments, technical information and recommendations, internally and externally, in a manner that clearly demonstrates expertise and action-orientation.
  • Provide regular updates to the Board of Directors on Quality and Food Safety
  • Lead investments in capability building and talent development to enable the future needs of the function.
  • Partner with both the Supply Chain leadership and Operations leadership to achieve operational excellence across the supply chain.


What we are looking for:

Minimum requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or other related technical field
  • 15+ years of experience in QA Management and QA leadership in Food/CPG industry
  • Demonstrated expertise in leading quality functions and driving excellence across food and beverage operations
  • Broad operational and/or supply chain experience with the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration in FDA/USDA-regulated environments
  • Experience developing and managing large quality organization
  • Demonstrated success in meeting goals and driving Food Safety culture
  • Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and manage food safety and quality systems within complex organizations both internally and with external suppliers and co-manufacturers
  • Deep understanding of how products are produced and move through a complex Supply Chain and understanding the impact of FSMA on this process
  • Experience delivering results through high performance work systems
  • Develop active and strong working relationships with regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA, USDA, CFIA) and industry groups (e.g., Consumer Brands Association - CBA, Global Food Safety Initiative - GFSI)
  • Strong ability to work cross-functionally, including the most senior levels and managing relationships effectively
  • Strong team builder with exceptional experience leading, managing and developing top talent into future leadership
  • Proven experience developing, inspiring, and activating teams to deliver best in class results
  • Lead programs that mitigate corporate food safety risk and co-manage Company crisis team with Vice President and Deputy General Counsel
  • Strong combination of strategic vision and an ability to get involved on a "hands-on" basis
  • Adaptable/Change Agent - must be flexible and able to adapt quickly to rapidly changing Food Safety landscape
  • Must be able and willing to regularly travel within the U.S. and internationally (~35%)


About JM Smucker Company

J.M. Smucker Company manufactures and supplies spreads, warm beverages, sweeteners, condiments, decorating syrups, and milk products.

JM Smucker Company Careers

There has never been a more exciting time to explore the job opportunities at JM Smucker Company, a leader in the food industry known for its strong values and commitment to quality. As we continue to grow, we invite you to join our team of professionals, where innovation and leadership thrive. Work You’ll Do Join JM Smucker Company’s dynamic team to help drive growth and innovation in one of the most respected companies in the food sector. At JM Smucker, we are dedicated to transforming our business while upholding our unique culture of integrity and responsibility. Lead in a Unique Market Position At JM Smucker Company, you will find yourself at the crossroads of consumer needs and cutting-edge solutions. With a focus on diversity and professional development, we empower our employees to lead and innovate within the industry. Engage with a Skilled Team of Professionals Collaborate with over 7,000 dedicated employees who bring their skills and passion to our teams every day. At JM Smucker, we believe in nurturing talent through comprehensive training and development programs, ensuring that every team member can achieve their career goals. Introducing the JM Smucker Leadership and Innovation Initiative We are committed to fostering leadership and innovation across all levels of our company. This initiative is designed to support our employees in mastering their professional journey through continuous learning and leadership opportunities. Do Innovative Work Be part of a company that is as committed to innovation as it is to producing high-quality products. At JM Smucker Company, you will work on projects that challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what is possible in the food industry. Be Part of a Great Team Experience a culture that values teamwork, leadership, and diversity. Our teams are made up of individuals from various backgrounds, working together to achieve common goals and drive success in the industry. Future-Proof Your Career With JM Smucker Company, your career is in good hands. We offer a variety of job opportunities, from internships to full-time positions, each accompanied by competitive benefits and the chance for growth. Whether you are just starting out or looking to advance your career, JM Smucker provides the resources and support to help you succeed. Explore Discover how our commitment to innovation leads to superior products and services: [Explore Our Innovations] Read more about how our teams are pioneering new techniques and flavors in the food industry. The JM Smucker Company Difference Our commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity sets us apart in the food industry. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are dedicated to their growth and development. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always looking for passionate, creative, and driven individuals to join our team. [SEARCH JM SMUCKER JOBS] Keep Up to Date Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work here. [READ CAREERS BLOG] Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at JM Smucker Company. [SUBSCRIBE FOR JOB ALERTS]
Learn more about JM Smucker Company
Size
14,000 employees
Market Cap
$16.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$955.6 million
Founded
1897
5 Year Trend
+1.6%
Revenue
$8.1 billion

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