Scope of Position

The Quality Director is responsible for leading the Quality Assurance (QA) function to ensure that all products meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, and consumer satisfaction. This role oversees quality systems, ingredient and finished product release, laboratory testing, regulatory compliance, and the continuous improvement of QA processes. The Quality Director partners closely with Production, Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory teams to drive operational excellence while fostering a culture of quality and accountability across the plant.

Responsibilities

Quality Assurance Leadership (35%)

• Ensure compliance with all plant quality systems, programs, and customer standards.
• Lead QA operations, including ingredient release, Critical Control Point verification, lab testing, and finished product release.
• Maintain consumer trust by ensuring all products are safe, consistent, and of premium quality.

System Support & Analysis (30%)

• Represent QA in cross-functional initiatives, driving process improvements, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Provide guidance on quality-related issues across the plant, including production, engineering, and supply chain.

Team Leadership & Development (10%)

• Direct, mentor, and develop a team of QA Leaders, Specialists, and Associates.
• Foster a high-performing team culture through training, coaching, and performance management.

Budget & Cost Management (5%)

• Own and manage the QA department budget, aligning resources with plant goals.
• Implement cost-effective quality solutions without compromising compliance or product integrity.

Regulatory & Compliance (5%)

• Serve as primary contact for FDA, USDA, and State regulatory agencies.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, environmental, and quality regulations.
• Lead investigations and corrective actions to prevent recurrence of incidents or violations.

Safety & Environmental Stewardship

• Ensure QA activities align with plant safety and environmental programs.
• Support supervisors in incident investigations and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with plant Safety and Environmental leaders to maintain compliance.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Adapt to evolving business priorities and contribute to cross-functional projects.

Supervision Received

• Reports to Plant Manager with minimal direct supervision.
• Aligns priorities with division leadership as needed.

Supervision Given

• Leads QA Team Leaders, Lab Technical Specialist, and 7–10 QA Associates.

Financial/Strategic Impact

• Accountable for QA budget and quality-driven product disposition decisions.
• Influences plant-wide compliance and consumer trust.

Qualifications



• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field required.
• Strong knowledge of food microbiology, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
• 5–10 years of progressive QA leadership experience in food or consumer goods manufacturing.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage quality systems, and collaborate across functions.