Vice President Of Food Quality & Safety

Our client, The Van Drunen Family of Companies, is seeking a Vice President of Quality & Food Safety to lead and evolve our global quality strategy across our food, ingredient, and nutraceutical businesses. Van Drunen Farms has a rich heritage dating back to the 1850s
, rooted in agriculture and innovation. Today, the organization delivers ingredient solutions derived from fruits, vegetables, herbs, and grains
, serving customers across the food and nutraceutical industries worldwide. This is a Hybrid opportunity at our Momence IL location.

This executive leader will oversee quality assurance, food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across our organization—ensuring our products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and consistency while supporting business growth and operational excellence. If you are a strategic leader with deep experience in food or ingredient manufacturing
, this is an opportunity to shape the future of quality and food safety for a global organization.

• Set the strategic direction for quality assurance and food safety across the Van Drunen Family of Companies
• Champion a culture of food safety and operational excellence
• Partner with cross-functional leadership to align quality initiatives with business goals

• Oversee compliance with FDA, USDA, EU, and global regulatory standards
• Manage GFSI audits and certifications including organic, kosher, and halal
• Standardize quality and food safety best practices across global facilities

• Lead supplier qualification and external manufacturing approval processes
• Manage FSVP programs and traceability systems
• Build strong partnerships with external labs, vendors, and quality partners

• Lead customer and consumer complaint programs
• Serve on crisis management and special situation teams
• Develop KPIs and reporting to measure quality performance
• Use data analytics and statistical tools to drive improvements
• Manage departmental budgets and efficiency initiatives

• Lead and develop the Quality Leadership Team
• Mentor emerging leaders and build bench strength within the organization

10+ years experience in food, agriculture, or pharmaceutical manufacturing

10+ years in quality and food safety leadership

7+ years leading teams (including senior leadership roles)

Experience with
plant-level quality systems, micro-controls, and allergen management

Strong background in supplier quality and regulatory compliance

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Chemistry, or related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred)

• Builds trust with customers and cross-functional partners
• Uses data and analytics to drive quality improvements
• Develops people and builds strong teams
• Makes sound decisions balancing speed, safety, and quality