Director, Food Quality and Safety

About the position

The Director of Food Quality and Safety is responsible for leading the company's food safety and quality assurance programs. This position oversees all aspects of quality control, food safety, regulatory compliance, and product testing to ensure products meet stringent standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and direct the strategic vision and goals for the food quality and safety department
• Develop and implement food safety programs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations
• Stay up to date on changes to food safety regulations and industry standards. Implement policy/program updates as needed
• Manage the food quality and safety department budget and resources
• Oversee all food safety and quality assurance activities including facility inspections, HACCP plans, product testing, and supplier audits
• Manage relationships with regulatory agencies and ensure all permits, licenses, and certifications are up to date
• Oversee all laboratory testing to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Analyze quality and production data to identify trends and issues. Implement corrective actions as needed
• Prepare reports for senior leadership on department performance, regulatory updates, and industry best practices
• Oversee product recalls and withdrawals if issues are identified. Conduct root cause analyses for all quality-related incidents
• Develop and conduct employee training programs on food safety and quality assurance topics

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, or related field required; advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years in food quality and safety management, including 5+ years in a leadership role or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong understanding of food safety systems and programs such as HACCP
• Ability to interpret and comply with food safety regulations
• Experience working in a regulated food production environment
• Proven track record of developing/implementing successful food safety strategies
• Strong business acumen with analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency with quality/safety management software tools
• Strong leadership, project management, and people management skills
• Ability to travel up to 40% of the time for audits, meetings, and conferences
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills in English
• Strong grasp of Hana Group standards, mission and core values

Benefits

• Salary: $120,000-$130,000 USD Annually