Director of Quality Assurance (Encinitas)
Consumer Connection, Inc., Encinitas, California, United States, 92023
**This is not a job with Consumer Connection**
Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA)
The Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive food safety and quality management system across a network of external manufacturing partners and suppliers. This role ensures that all finished products meet regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and internal quality standards.
The Director will serve as the primary food safety authority for the organization, leading risk-based programs, managing co-manufacturer relationships, and driving continuous improvement across the supply chain.
Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance Own and oversee the company’s food safety and quality programs, including HACCP, Preventive Controls (FSMA), supplier approval, and product release. Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA (if applicable), state regulations, and relevant global food safety standards. Act as the Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) or ensure appropriate coverage. Lead regulatory inspections, third-party audits, and customer audits related to co-manufacturing partners.
Co-Manufacturer & Supplier Management Develop and maintain robust qualification, approval, and monitoring programs for co-manufacturers, suppliers, and contract packers. Conduct risk-based audits of external manufacturing facilities and ingredient suppliers. Review and approve food safety plans, quality systems, and change management at co-manufacturing sites. Partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and Procurement to ensure seamless execution and issue resolution.
Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement Establish and maintain company-wide Quality Management Systems (QMS) appropriate for a non-manufacturing organization. Own programs including specifications, COA review, deviations, non-conformances, CAPAs, and continuous improvement initiatives. Analyze quality and food safety data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities. Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality incidents and customer complaints.
Product Safety & Crisis Management Lead recall and crisis management programs, including mock recalls and traceability exercises. Serve as the primary contact for food safety incidents, escalations, and regulatory communications. Ensure robust product traceability and lot control across external manufacturing partners.
Leadership & Communication Build, mentor, and lead the FSQA team as the organization grows. Provide clear, practical guidance to internal stakeholders and external partners. Communicate food safety risks and quality performance to senior leadership in a clear, business-focused manner.
Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field (Master’s preferred). 10+ years of progressive experience in food safety and quality, including significant experience managing external co-mans. Strong working knowledge of FSMA, HACCP, Preventive Controls, and FDA regulations. Experience leading third-party audits and regulatory inspections. PCQI certification (or ability to obtain).
Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA)
The Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive food safety and quality management system across a network of external manufacturing partners and suppliers. This role ensures that all finished products meet regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and internal quality standards.
The Director will serve as the primary food safety authority for the organization, leading risk-based programs, managing co-manufacturer relationships, and driving continuous improvement across the supply chain.
Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance Own and oversee the company’s food safety and quality programs, including HACCP, Preventive Controls (FSMA), supplier approval, and product release. Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA (if applicable), state regulations, and relevant global food safety standards. Act as the Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) or ensure appropriate coverage. Lead regulatory inspections, third-party audits, and customer audits related to co-manufacturing partners.
Co-Manufacturer & Supplier Management Develop and maintain robust qualification, approval, and monitoring programs for co-manufacturers, suppliers, and contract packers. Conduct risk-based audits of external manufacturing facilities and ingredient suppliers. Review and approve food safety plans, quality systems, and change management at co-manufacturing sites. Partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and Procurement to ensure seamless execution and issue resolution.
Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement Establish and maintain company-wide Quality Management Systems (QMS) appropriate for a non-manufacturing organization. Own programs including specifications, COA review, deviations, non-conformances, CAPAs, and continuous improvement initiatives. Analyze quality and food safety data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities. Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality incidents and customer complaints.
Product Safety & Crisis Management Lead recall and crisis management programs, including mock recalls and traceability exercises. Serve as the primary contact for food safety incidents, escalations, and regulatory communications. Ensure robust product traceability and lot control across external manufacturing partners.
Leadership & Communication Build, mentor, and lead the FSQA team as the organization grows. Provide clear, practical guidance to internal stakeholders and external partners. Communicate food safety risks and quality performance to senior leadership in a clear, business-focused manner.
Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field (Master’s preferred). 10+ years of progressive experience in food safety and quality, including significant experience managing external co-mans. Strong working knowledge of FSMA, HACCP, Preventive Controls, and FDA regulations. Experience leading third-party audits and regulatory inspections. PCQI certification (or ability to obtain).