Director, Food Safety & Quality
Gilder Search Group, Eugene, OR, United States
Jennie Joiner with Forum Group PNW is partnering with a growing manufacturing company in Eugene, Oregon to hire a Director of Food Safety & Quality. This is a newly created leadership role reporting directly to the CEO, offering the opportunity to build, lead, and elevate the food safety and quality function. This is an ideal opportunity for a hands‑on, servant leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is comfortable working alongside their team. The culture is collaborative, action‑oriented, and focused on getting things done.
Position Overview
The Director of Food Safety & Quality is responsible for leading the organization’s food safety and quality strategy, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving product integrity across the business. This role serves as the senior authority on food safety and quality and a key advisor to the leadership team. You will lead a team of 14 and play a critical role in building systems, strengthening processes, and driving a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
Lead, develop, and mentor a team of 14 including supervisors, administrators, and technicians
Act as a servant leader and change agent, driving accountability and continuous improvement
Partner with executive leadership to provide insight on food safety, quality, and compliance risks and opportunities
Build and manage the food safety and quality budget in partnership with leadership
Food Safety & Quality Systems
Develop, implement, and continuously improve the Quality Management System
Ensure product conformity through validation, approval, and release of materials and finished goods
Oversee food safety crisis management programs including recalls and business continuity
Compliance & Certifications
Lead all regulatory compliance efforts including FDA and applicable state requirements
Own and lead SQF certification and audits
Support additional certifications such as organic, kosher, gluten‑free, vegan, non‑GMO, and B Corp initiatives
Serve as the primary contact for audits and regulatory inspections
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
Establish and monitor KPIs related to quality, audit performance, and customer feedback
Analyze trends and implement corrective and preventive actions
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the organization
Lead culture transformation to embed quality ownership across all departments
Supplier & Customer Quality
Develop and manage supplier quality programs
Partner with customers to resolve quality issues and improve satisfaction
Ensure product specifications align with manufacturing capabilities
Training & Development
Develop and deliver food safety and quality training programs
Coach cross‑functional teams to integrate quality into daily operations
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field
7+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing quality assurance
Direct experience leading and passing SQF audits
Experience supporting or leading B Corp certification initiatives preferred
Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills
Ability to operate both strategically and hands‑on in a production environment
If you are interested in hearing more about this exciting opportunity, reach out to Jennie Joiner directly or apply online today!
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Overview
The Director of Food Safety & Quality is responsible for leading the organization’s food safety and quality strategy, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving product integrity across the business. This role serves as the senior authority on food safety and quality and a key advisor to the leadership team. You will lead a team of 14 and play a critical role in building systems, strengthening processes, and driving a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
Lead, develop, and mentor a team of 14 including supervisors, administrators, and technicians
Act as a servant leader and change agent, driving accountability and continuous improvement
Partner with executive leadership to provide insight on food safety, quality, and compliance risks and opportunities
Build and manage the food safety and quality budget in partnership with leadership
Food Safety & Quality Systems
Develop, implement, and continuously improve the Quality Management System
Ensure product conformity through validation, approval, and release of materials and finished goods
Oversee food safety crisis management programs including recalls and business continuity
Compliance & Certifications
Lead all regulatory compliance efforts including FDA and applicable state requirements
Own and lead SQF certification and audits
Support additional certifications such as organic, kosher, gluten‑free, vegan, non‑GMO, and B Corp initiatives
Serve as the primary contact for audits and regulatory inspections
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
Establish and monitor KPIs related to quality, audit performance, and customer feedback
Analyze trends and implement corrective and preventive actions
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the organization
Lead culture transformation to embed quality ownership across all departments
Supplier & Customer Quality
Develop and manage supplier quality programs
Partner with customers to resolve quality issues and improve satisfaction
Ensure product specifications align with manufacturing capabilities
Training & Development
Develop and deliver food safety and quality training programs
Coach cross‑functional teams to integrate quality into daily operations
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field
7+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing quality assurance
Direct experience leading and passing SQF audits
Experience supporting or leading B Corp certification initiatives preferred
Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills
Ability to operate both strategically and hands‑on in a production environment
If you are interested in hearing more about this exciting opportunity, reach out to Jennie Joiner directly or apply online today!
#J-18808-Ljbffr