[Hiring] Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance @Country Fresh

Role Description

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.

Qualifications

• Experience in food safety and quality assurance management
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance requirements
• Proven leadership and team management skills

Requirements

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off and holidays