Associate Director, Food Safety and Quality Assurance
The Hired Bar, Richmond, VA, United States
The Hired Bar is exclusively partnering with Plenty, a leader in indoor vertical farming, to hire a Senior Manager, Food Safety & Quality Assurance to support farm operations in Richmond, VA.
This is a hands-on, on-site leadership role for an experienced food safety professional who thrives on the production floor, builds strong teams, and takes pride in owning food safety culture end-to-end. We are open to local candidates as well as those requiring relocation support if more than 50 miles from the work location.
About the Role The Senior Manager, Food Safety & Quality Assurance position sits at the heart of farm operations and is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of the produce Plenty grows. You’ll lead a team of food safety and quality professionals while partnering closely with site leadership, operations, and R&D to uphold world‑class standards in a fast‑growing environment.
What You’ll Do
Lead and reinforce a strong food safety and quality culture across the site
Own the site’s environmental monitoring program (microbiological testing), including vendors and cost efficiency
Serve as the site’s SQF Practitioner, owning SQF, HACCP, GMP, FSSC, and related programs
Manage, coach, and develop the site quality & food safety team
Maintain and evolve the Quality Management System, including CAPA
Lead audits and ensure compliance with FDA, SQF, OSHA, and regulatory requirements
Partner closely with Farm Ops and R&D as a visible, hands‑on leader
Participate as a key member in the Food Safety Council and site leadership activities
What We’re Looking For
The Senior Manager we are looking for will be obsessed with product quality tracking (including experience running sensory on fresh produce being a plus!) as well as the food safety elements.
Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Food Safety, or commensurate experience
Must have a minimum 10+ years in Food Safety / Quality Assurance, including 5+ years of people leadership
Strong experience in produce, fresh food, or regulated food environments
HACCP certification required
Demonstrated success leading SQF and/or FSSC programs
Comply with all Plant, State and Federal OSHA, EPA, FDA, HACCP, and SQF regulations
Comply with GMP/GAPS in the Facility
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This is a hands-on, on-site leadership role for an experienced food safety professional who thrives on the production floor, builds strong teams, and takes pride in owning food safety culture end-to-end. We are open to local candidates as well as those requiring relocation support if more than 50 miles from the work location.
About the Role The Senior Manager, Food Safety & Quality Assurance position sits at the heart of farm operations and is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of the produce Plenty grows. You’ll lead a team of food safety and quality professionals while partnering closely with site leadership, operations, and R&D to uphold world‑class standards in a fast‑growing environment.
What You’ll Do
Lead and reinforce a strong food safety and quality culture across the site
Own the site’s environmental monitoring program (microbiological testing), including vendors and cost efficiency
Serve as the site’s SQF Practitioner, owning SQF, HACCP, GMP, FSSC, and related programs
Manage, coach, and develop the site quality & food safety team
Maintain and evolve the Quality Management System, including CAPA
Lead audits and ensure compliance with FDA, SQF, OSHA, and regulatory requirements
Partner closely with Farm Ops and R&D as a visible, hands‑on leader
Participate as a key member in the Food Safety Council and site leadership activities
What We’re Looking For
The Senior Manager we are looking for will be obsessed with product quality tracking (including experience running sensory on fresh produce being a plus!) as well as the food safety elements.
Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Food Safety, or commensurate experience
Must have a minimum 10+ years in Food Safety / Quality Assurance, including 5+ years of people leadership
Strong experience in produce, fresh food, or regulated food environments
HACCP certification required
Demonstrated success leading SQF and/or FSSC programs
Comply with all Plant, State and Federal OSHA, EPA, FDA, HACCP, and SQF regulations
Comply with GMP/GAPS in the Facility
#J-18808-Ljbffr