Executive Director, Compliance
KeHE Distributors, LLC, Naperville, IL, United States
Why Work for KeHE?
Full-time
Pay Range: $159,940.00/Yr. - $234,498.00/Yr.
Shift Days: , Shift Time:
Benefits on Day 1
Health/Rx
Dental
Vision
Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
Supplemental life insurance
401(k)
Paid time off
Paid sick time
Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
Holiday pay for company designated holidays
Overview At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that is moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.
Primary Responsibilities The Executive Director of Compliance is a strategic leader responsible for establishing, managing, and continuously improving the organization’s compliance framework. This is a hands‑on, high‑impact leadership role that drives the evolution of the compliance program to align with regulatory expectations and enterprise risk management. This role partners closely with legal, risk, HR, and operational leaders to embed ethical practices, regulatory adherence, and risk-based decision‑making into the company’s strategic and operational framework. The position leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive compliance program encompassing privacy, food safety and quality assurance (FSQA), risk mitigation, auditing, Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance, licensing, government relations, and HR compliance. As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
Essential Functions DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership
Develop and oversee a robust, enterprise‑wide compliance program that aligns with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
Serve as the senior authority on compliance‑related issues, advising executive leadership and the board on risks, trends, and mitigation strategies.
Partner with segment and functional leaders to scale compliance efforts in alignment with business growth, translating regulatory requirements and risks into actionable business guidance.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, with emphasis on food industry compliance and related operational areas.
Maintain awareness of evolving regulations and proactively adjust policies and practices to remain compliant.
Leverage digital tools, data analytics, and technology solutions to modernize compliance processes and support business agility.
Training & Culture Building
Lead the development and execution of compliance training calendars, learning plans, and communications across the global organization.
Deliver compliance training programs tailored to the company’s key risks.
Promote a "speak-up" culture through awareness campaigns and leadership engagement.
Work cross‑functionally to establish training programs and communication strategies that promote a culture of compliance.
Program Development & Oversight
Lead compliance efforts in key areas, including:
Privacy & Data Protection
Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA)
Risk Identification, Mitigation, & Management
Internal & External AuditingDOT Compliance
Oversee administration of compliance governance, policy management, and program operations.
Oversee corporate document and records management, ensuring consistent retention, security, and disposal procedures.
Partner with IT and Legal to maintain policies related to cybersecurity, data governance, and information security.
Develop and maintain compliance reporting to senior leadership and the Board of Directors.
Monitoring & Reporting
Direct regular compliance audits, risk assessments, and corrective action plans.
Report findings, risk exposures, and remediation progress to executive leadership and the board.
Drive compliance data analytics and reporting, with responsibility for central tracking of training completion, case metrics, trends, and corrective actions.
Risk Management & Investigations
Oversee the full lifecycle of integrity‑related concerns, including intake, triage, investigation support, case tracking, closure, and documentation.
Serve as the primary compliance liaison to internal audit, ensuring alignment on control testing, gap identification, and corrective action tracking.
Lead and manage enterprise risk management (ERM) initiatives to ensure alignment with organizational risk appetite and objectives.
Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, Compliance, Risk Management, or related field required.
Advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CCEP, CRCM, CCEP‑F, CP‑FS) strongly preferred.
Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in compliance and/or risk management, with food industry experience highly desirable.
At least 7 years in a leadership or management capacity within a corporate compliance function.
Proven track record in designing and executing large‑scale compliance programs.
Juris Doctor not required but helpful.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Occasional travel to company locations, industry events, and regulatory meetings.
Ability to communicate clearly in person, by phone, and in writing.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.
Equal Employer Opportunity Statement KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.
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Full-time
Pay Range: $159,940.00/Yr. - $234,498.00/Yr.
Shift Days: , Shift Time:
Benefits on Day 1
Health/Rx
Dental
Vision
Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
Supplemental life insurance
401(k)
Paid time off
Paid sick time
Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
Holiday pay for company designated holidays
Overview At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that is moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.
Primary Responsibilities The Executive Director of Compliance is a strategic leader responsible for establishing, managing, and continuously improving the organization’s compliance framework. This is a hands‑on, high‑impact leadership role that drives the evolution of the compliance program to align with regulatory expectations and enterprise risk management. This role partners closely with legal, risk, HR, and operational leaders to embed ethical practices, regulatory adherence, and risk-based decision‑making into the company’s strategic and operational framework. The position leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive compliance program encompassing privacy, food safety and quality assurance (FSQA), risk mitigation, auditing, Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance, licensing, government relations, and HR compliance. As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
Essential Functions DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership
Develop and oversee a robust, enterprise‑wide compliance program that aligns with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
Serve as the senior authority on compliance‑related issues, advising executive leadership and the board on risks, trends, and mitigation strategies.
Partner with segment and functional leaders to scale compliance efforts in alignment with business growth, translating regulatory requirements and risks into actionable business guidance.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, with emphasis on food industry compliance and related operational areas.
Maintain awareness of evolving regulations and proactively adjust policies and practices to remain compliant.
Leverage digital tools, data analytics, and technology solutions to modernize compliance processes and support business agility.
Training & Culture Building
Lead the development and execution of compliance training calendars, learning plans, and communications across the global organization.
Deliver compliance training programs tailored to the company’s key risks.
Promote a "speak-up" culture through awareness campaigns and leadership engagement.
Work cross‑functionally to establish training programs and communication strategies that promote a culture of compliance.
Program Development & Oversight
Lead compliance efforts in key areas, including:
Privacy & Data Protection
Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA)
Risk Identification, Mitigation, & Management
Internal & External AuditingDOT Compliance
Oversee administration of compliance governance, policy management, and program operations.
Oversee corporate document and records management, ensuring consistent retention, security, and disposal procedures.
Partner with IT and Legal to maintain policies related to cybersecurity, data governance, and information security.
Develop and maintain compliance reporting to senior leadership and the Board of Directors.
Monitoring & Reporting
Direct regular compliance audits, risk assessments, and corrective action plans.
Report findings, risk exposures, and remediation progress to executive leadership and the board.
Drive compliance data analytics and reporting, with responsibility for central tracking of training completion, case metrics, trends, and corrective actions.
Risk Management & Investigations
Oversee the full lifecycle of integrity‑related concerns, including intake, triage, investigation support, case tracking, closure, and documentation.
Serve as the primary compliance liaison to internal audit, ensuring alignment on control testing, gap identification, and corrective action tracking.
Lead and manage enterprise risk management (ERM) initiatives to ensure alignment with organizational risk appetite and objectives.
Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, Compliance, Risk Management, or related field required.
Advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CCEP, CRCM, CCEP‑F, CP‑FS) strongly preferred.
Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in compliance and/or risk management, with food industry experience highly desirable.
At least 7 years in a leadership or management capacity within a corporate compliance function.
Proven track record in designing and executing large‑scale compliance programs.
Juris Doctor not required but helpful.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Occasional travel to company locations, industry events, and regulatory meetings.
Ability to communicate clearly in person, by phone, and in writing.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.
Equal Employer Opportunity Statement KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.
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