Director of Quality and Hygiene

Director of Quality & Hygiene

Location:

Bowling Green, Kentucky |

Employment Type:

Full‑time | Seniority Level: Director

The Director of Quality and Hygiene leads and implements quality and hygiene systems across the Bowling Green manufacturing site, serving as the site lead and SME for all quality, audit, hygiene, and continuous improvement programs.

• Develop and execute short‑term and long‑term quality and hygiene strategies for the site.
• Lead implementation of integrated ISO management systems and ensure compliance with global standards.
• Act as the primary contact for external customer quality audits, including audit preparation, execution, and corrective action follow‑up.
• Drive Zero Defect and Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives throughout plant operations.
• Oversee the internal audit program and lead root cause analyses to eliminate recurring issues.
• Ensure hygiene capability within the plant is developed, maintained, and audited in partnership with the Plant Hygienist.
• Support cross‑functional teams (R&D, Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing) on new initiatives and product launches.
• Design, develop, and maintain facility quality standards, procedures, and tools to enhance product safety and consistency.
• Lead the development and delivery of training programs to enhance quality awareness and compliance.
• Monitor key quality KPIs, implement preventive measures, and report findings to senior leadership.
• Foster a culture of quality ownership, employee engagement, and proactive problem‑solving.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science, Quality Management, or a related field.
• 10+ years of professional experience, including leadership of Quality and/or Hygiene departments in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in Quality Management Systems (QMS), ISO 9001, and audit preparation.
• Strong knowledge of quality fundamentals and tools such as Six Sigma, SPC, and root cause analysis.
• Proven experience implementing process mapping, CI programs, and leading cross‑functional improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and lead teams.

• Advanced degree (MBA, MS in Quality or related field).
• Quality certifications such as ASQ CQE, CQA, or Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Experience in consumer goods, chemical, or food manufacturing industries.
• Familiarity with regulatory and customer audit protocols.
• Experience managing global or multi‑site quality operations.