Overview
Director, Food Safety and Quality Assurance. The Director, Food Safety and Quality Assurance is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all food safety, regulatory compliance and quality assurance programs across the organization. This leadership role ensures that all production environments and products comply with Elevation Foods internal Food Safety standards and all regulatory requirements, while fostering a culture of commitment and continuous improvement in food safety and quality assurance practices.
Reports to: Vice President, Operations & Supply Chain and the Corporate FSQA Governance Council
The FSQA Governance Council is comprised of Elevation Foods Senior Leadership Team and One Member of the Company Board of Directors
Direct Reports: Manager, Regulatory; Plant FSQA leaders at each plant, FSQA techs
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of food safety strategies, policies, and procedures across all facilities that ensure compliance with all applicable food safety regulations and standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, FSMA, HACCP, SQF, GFSI).
- Establish an FSQA framework that engages and enables Operations, R&D, Maintenance, Commercial and other related functions to execute a safe and quality food environment and processes each day.
- Oversee internal and external audits, inspections, and certifications; manage corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.Fosters a cross functional approach and appropriatedepartmental “ownership” of audits and inspections that demonstrates management commitment across the plant’s senior leadership team.
- Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and third-party auditors.
- Lead cross-functional teams in risk assessments, root cause analyses, and implementation of corrective actions and preventive controls.
- Monitor and analyze food safety trends, emerging risks, and regulatory changes to proactively adapt company policies.
- Develop and deliver training programs to ensure company-wide understanding and adherence to food safety protocols and quality assurance standards
- Collaborate with R&D, Operations, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain teams to ensure food safety and quality assurance are integrated into all processes.
- Manage food safety documentation, traceability systems, and incident response plans.
- Lead crisis management efforts related to food safety incidents, including recalls and contamination events. Coordinate with Senior Leadership and Company communications contacts related to any food safety incident.
- Lead regular sensory analysis of production samples, consolidated findings and recommended actions, communicating to the Operations and Commercial teams.
- Facilitate the company’s FSQA Council which evaluated EMP findings and needs, product sensory findings, and shelf-life results and records.
- Lead Regulatory and Labeling compliance
Qualifications
- Requirements and minimum education level:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Public Health, or a related field.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in food safety and quality assurance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, standards, and best practices.
- Certification in HACCP, PCQI, SQF Practitioner, or equivalent required.
- Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
- Experience with regulatory inspections and third-party audits.
- Ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively: Be able to translate and communicate complex technical items in a clear, concise fashion and represent the company well with customers and the regulators.
Seniorities and Employment
- Seniority level : Director
- Employment type : Full-time
- Job function : Management and Manufacturing
- Industries : Food & Beverages
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