Senior Director, Food Safety & Quality (FSQ)
Newly Weds Foods- Corporate, Chicago, IL, United States
Overview
Summary
The Senior Director, Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) is responsible for leading and advancing the company’s food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance programs across all manufacturing sites. This role ensures products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer expectations while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations. The Senior Director partners cross-functionally to drive enterprise-wide FSQ initiatives and foster a strong culture of food safety and quality.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute the company’s Food Safety & Quality strategy aligned with business objectives
Serve as the enterprise leader for FSQ across all manufacturing facilities and distribution networks
Build and promote a strong food safety and quality culture across the organization
Oversee implementation and continuous improvement of FSQ systems, including HACCP, HARPC, GMPs, SSOPs, and environmental monitoring programs
Ensure all facilities maintain certification to applicable GFSI standards (e.g., SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000)
Lead internal, external, and regulatory audits and drive corrective and preventive actions
Ensure compliance with all applicable U.S. and international regulations, including FDA (FSMA), USDA, and state/local requirements
Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies during inspections and inquiries
Identify, assess, and mitigate food safety and quality risks across the supply chain
Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes for quality and food safety incidents
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using data analytics and industry best practices
Guide the organization in evaluating and implementing new strategies, technologies, and equipment to enhance food safety and data collection
Partner with Commercial and R&D teams to support customer requirements, audits, and new product development
Ensure timely and effective response to customer complaints and quality issues
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing FSQ team across multiple locations
Establish clear performance expectations and promote cross-functional collaboration
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field required; Master’s preferred
12–15+ years of progressive experience in food safety and quality within the food manufacturing industry
Experience leading multi-site or global FSQ operations
Experience in food ingredients, CPG, or industrial food manufacturing environments preferred
Technical Skills
Strong knowledge of FSMA, FDA regulatory requirements, and GFSI-recognized standards (SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000)
Expertise in HACCP, Preventive Controls, sanitation, allergen control, and supplier quality management
PCQI certification required or ability to obtain
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Leadership Competencies
Proven ability to lead through influence and drive organizational change
Strong communication skills with the ability to engage senior leadership and external stakeholders
Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional initiatives
Work Environment & Travel
Based in the United States; proximity to a major manufacturing site or corporate HQ preferred
Travel up to 30–50% to manufacturing facilities and suppliers
Compensation : $185,000-$230,000
Benefits
Medical Insurance
Prescription Drug Plan
Dental/Vision Insurance
Employee Incentive Plan
Flexible Spending Account
Cash Accumulation Plan-401K
Life/AD&D Insurance
Short- Term/Long-Term Disability
Vacation Plan
Paid Holidays
Employee Assistance Program
Adoption Assistance Program
Tuition Reimbursement
Maternity/Paternity Leave
Pet Insurance
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Summary
The Senior Director, Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) is responsible for leading and advancing the company’s food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance programs across all manufacturing sites. This role ensures products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer expectations while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations. The Senior Director partners cross-functionally to drive enterprise-wide FSQ initiatives and foster a strong culture of food safety and quality.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute the company’s Food Safety & Quality strategy aligned with business objectives
Serve as the enterprise leader for FSQ across all manufacturing facilities and distribution networks
Build and promote a strong food safety and quality culture across the organization
Oversee implementation and continuous improvement of FSQ systems, including HACCP, HARPC, GMPs, SSOPs, and environmental monitoring programs
Ensure all facilities maintain certification to applicable GFSI standards (e.g., SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000)
Lead internal, external, and regulatory audits and drive corrective and preventive actions
Ensure compliance with all applicable U.S. and international regulations, including FDA (FSMA), USDA, and state/local requirements
Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies during inspections and inquiries
Identify, assess, and mitigate food safety and quality risks across the supply chain
Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes for quality and food safety incidents
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using data analytics and industry best practices
Guide the organization in evaluating and implementing new strategies, technologies, and equipment to enhance food safety and data collection
Partner with Commercial and R&D teams to support customer requirements, audits, and new product development
Ensure timely and effective response to customer complaints and quality issues
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing FSQ team across multiple locations
Establish clear performance expectations and promote cross-functional collaboration
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field required; Master’s preferred
12–15+ years of progressive experience in food safety and quality within the food manufacturing industry
Experience leading multi-site or global FSQ operations
Experience in food ingredients, CPG, or industrial food manufacturing environments preferred
Technical Skills
Strong knowledge of FSMA, FDA regulatory requirements, and GFSI-recognized standards (SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000)
Expertise in HACCP, Preventive Controls, sanitation, allergen control, and supplier quality management
PCQI certification required or ability to obtain
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Leadership Competencies
Proven ability to lead through influence and drive organizational change
Strong communication skills with the ability to engage senior leadership and external stakeholders
Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional initiatives
Work Environment & Travel
Based in the United States; proximity to a major manufacturing site or corporate HQ preferred
Travel up to 30–50% to manufacturing facilities and suppliers
Compensation : $185,000-$230,000
Benefits
Medical Insurance
Prescription Drug Plan
Dental/Vision Insurance
Employee Incentive Plan
Flexible Spending Account
Cash Accumulation Plan-401K
Life/AD&D Insurance
Short- Term/Long-Term Disability
Vacation Plan
Paid Holidays
Employee Assistance Program
Adoption Assistance Program
Tuition Reimbursement
Maternity/Paternity Leave
Pet Insurance
#J-18808-Ljbffr