Director of Quality Assurance
The Judge Group, Phila, PA, United States
The
Director of Quality Assurance
is responsible for leading all quality and food safety functions across multiple manufacturing sites, including internal facilities and co‑manufacturing partners. This executive role ensures full regulatory compliance, product integrity, robust quality systems, successful audits, and continuous improvement. The Director will oversee QA, QC, SQF, and Regulatory teams while partnering closely with Operations, R&D, Procurement, and Supply Chain. This position requires
extensive multi‑site leadership ,
co‑manufacturing oversight , and expertise in
frozen food
or
RTE (Ready‑to‑Eat)
product environments. Travel up to
50%
is required to support plant operations and co‑manufacturers. Key Responsibilities
Multi‑Site Quality Leadership
Provide strategic leadership across multiple production facilities, ensuring consistent implementation of QA and food safety programs. Develop standardized quality systems, documentation, SOPs, and KPIs across all sites to ensure alignment and compliance. Conduct regular site visits (50% travel) to evaluate quality performance, review audits, and support plant management teams. Co‑Manufacturing Oversight
Manage quality governance for all co‑manufacturing partners, including qualification, onboarding, performance audits, and ongoing compliance. Establish co‑manufacturing QA agreements, quality expectations, and corrective action requirements. Serve as primary QA point of contact for co‑packers, ensuring adherence to company specifications and regulatory requirements. Food Safety, Regulatory & Compliance
Oversee compliance with USDA, FDA, SQF, HACCP, GMPs, and all relevant food safety regulations. Maintain and strengthen SQF Level II/III systems and lead certification audits. Partner with regulatory agencies during inspections and respond to findings with corrective action plans. Ensure appropriate allergen management, environmental monitoring, microbiological testing, and sanitation programs. Lead quality programs specifically supporting IQF, frozen entrees, and RTE products. Oversee validation, thermal processing (where applicable), chilling/cooling controls, and high‑risk zone requirements. Ensure food safety integrity through robust process controls, pathogen mitigation, and shelf‑life testing. Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement
Drive continuous improvement through data analytics, KPI monitoring, process optimization, and root cause analysis. Lead investigations for deviations, complaints, micro positives, and non‑conformances. Implement CAPA processes to address systemic issues and prevent recurrence. Team Leadership & Cross‑Functional Alignment
Lead and develop QA/QC teams at plant and corporate levels. Partner with Operations to ensure quality is embedded into daily manufacturing practices. Collaborate with R&D on new product development, scale‑up, and commercialization to ensure quality standards are met from concept to launch. Work closely with Supply Chain and Procurement on supplier quality programs. Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree in food science Chemistry, Engineering, or related technical field. 8–12+ years of progressive leadership in Quality Assurance within the food & beverage manufacturing industry. Experience managing
co‑manufacturing/co‑packing quality programs . Strong background in
frozen, IQF, or RTE food production environments . Expertise in USDA, FDA, HACCP, GMP, SQF, and related regulatory frameworks. Ability and willingness to travel up to
50% . Bilingual English and Spanish is strongly preferred Preferred
Master’s degree or advanced certification in Food Safety or Quality Management. SQF Practitioner, PCQI, or HACCP Certified Lead Instructor. Experience with culinary innovation or custom food formulations. Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills. Familiarity with automated packaging equipment and advanced processing lines (IQF, VFFS, rigid container systems).
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Director of Quality Assurance
is responsible for leading all quality and food safety functions across multiple manufacturing sites, including internal facilities and co‑manufacturing partners. This executive role ensures full regulatory compliance, product integrity, robust quality systems, successful audits, and continuous improvement. The Director will oversee QA, QC, SQF, and Regulatory teams while partnering closely with Operations, R&D, Procurement, and Supply Chain. This position requires
extensive multi‑site leadership ,
co‑manufacturing oversight , and expertise in
frozen food
or
RTE (Ready‑to‑Eat)
product environments. Travel up to
50%
is required to support plant operations and co‑manufacturers. Key Responsibilities
Multi‑Site Quality Leadership
Provide strategic leadership across multiple production facilities, ensuring consistent implementation of QA and food safety programs. Develop standardized quality systems, documentation, SOPs, and KPIs across all sites to ensure alignment and compliance. Conduct regular site visits (50% travel) to evaluate quality performance, review audits, and support plant management teams. Co‑Manufacturing Oversight
Manage quality governance for all co‑manufacturing partners, including qualification, onboarding, performance audits, and ongoing compliance. Establish co‑manufacturing QA agreements, quality expectations, and corrective action requirements. Serve as primary QA point of contact for co‑packers, ensuring adherence to company specifications and regulatory requirements. Food Safety, Regulatory & Compliance
Oversee compliance with USDA, FDA, SQF, HACCP, GMPs, and all relevant food safety regulations. Maintain and strengthen SQF Level II/III systems and lead certification audits. Partner with regulatory agencies during inspections and respond to findings with corrective action plans. Ensure appropriate allergen management, environmental monitoring, microbiological testing, and sanitation programs. Lead quality programs specifically supporting IQF, frozen entrees, and RTE products. Oversee validation, thermal processing (where applicable), chilling/cooling controls, and high‑risk zone requirements. Ensure food safety integrity through robust process controls, pathogen mitigation, and shelf‑life testing. Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement
Drive continuous improvement through data analytics, KPI monitoring, process optimization, and root cause analysis. Lead investigations for deviations, complaints, micro positives, and non‑conformances. Implement CAPA processes to address systemic issues and prevent recurrence. Team Leadership & Cross‑Functional Alignment
Lead and develop QA/QC teams at plant and corporate levels. Partner with Operations to ensure quality is embedded into daily manufacturing practices. Collaborate with R&D on new product development, scale‑up, and commercialization to ensure quality standards are met from concept to launch. Work closely with Supply Chain and Procurement on supplier quality programs. Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree in food science Chemistry, Engineering, or related technical field. 8–12+ years of progressive leadership in Quality Assurance within the food & beverage manufacturing industry. Experience managing
co‑manufacturing/co‑packing quality programs . Strong background in
frozen, IQF, or RTE food production environments . Expertise in USDA, FDA, HACCP, GMP, SQF, and related regulatory frameworks. Ability and willingness to travel up to
50% . Bilingual English and Spanish is strongly preferred Preferred
Master’s degree or advanced certification in Food Safety or Quality Management. SQF Practitioner, PCQI, or HACCP Certified Lead Instructor. Experience with culinary innovation or custom food formulations. Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills. Familiarity with automated packaging equipment and advanced processing lines (IQF, VFFS, rigid container systems).
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