Director, Food Safety & Quality Assurance

DIRECTOR OF FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY ASSURANCE

POSITION OVERVIEW

Job Title: Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance

Department: Quality Assurance / Food Safety

Reports To: Vice President of Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

Location: Remote with Travel to Multiple Facilities Nationwide

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We are a leading producer of fresh-cut fruits, vegetables, and snack trays, operating multiple manufacturing and distribution facilities across the country. Our commitment to food safety, quality, and customer satisfaction drives everything we do.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance provides strategic leadership and oversight for all food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance programs across multiple fresh-cut produce and snack tray facilities nationwide. This role ensures compliance with SQF, SMETA, FDA, and customer-specific requirements while driving continuous improvement initiatives and fostering a culture of food safety excellence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Program Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain company-wide food safety and quality assurance strategies aligned with business objectives

• Oversee SQF certification programs across all facilities, including scheduling, registration, preparation, and audit responses via SQFI Compliance Portal

• Manage SMETA audit programs, including Sedex membership, scheduling with Accordia, and compliance with Customer requirements

• Lead facility inspections for Food Safety/GMP's and Employee/Building Safety (minimum 2x per year, 4-6 weeks prior to audits)

• Maintain and update FSQA Calendar with audit dates, customer visits, and critical compliance deadlines

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure FDA registration compliance for all facilities (biennial updates via FURLS Website)

• Manage customer questionnaires and documentation requests through online portals and email

• Oversee document control processes including revisions and creation of SOPs, policies, and procedures

• Coordinate shelf life extension requests and shelf life study set-ups for new and existing products

• Manage lock/seal trailer exceptions and transportation compliance

Vendor & Third-Party Management

• Review pest control service reports and ensure corrective actions are implemented

• Monitor chemical usage reports and ensure proper sanitation protocols

• Manage Contracted Service Provider portals and user access

• Mentor, coach, and develop QA Managers across all facilities through calls, texts, and emails

• Facilitate bi-weekly QA meetings (via Teams) to align plant level teams on priorities and best practices

• Participate in monthly safety meetings for all facilities

• Develop and maintain training schedules and PowerPoint presentations for food safety training

EXPANDED RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for food safety and quality metrics across all facilities

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action programs for quality incidents and customer complaints

• Manage recall and crisis response procedures, including mock recall exercises

• Develop and maintain relationships with regulatory agencies (FDA, State Health Departments)

• Collaborate with R&D on new product development, shelf life evaluations, and ingredient specifications

• Partner with Procurement on supplier qualification and approved supplier programs

• Support Sales and Customer Service with food safety inquiries and customer audits