Director of Quality Assurance

Base pay range

$/yr - $/yr

Develops and implements and coordinates food safety programs, protocols, and training across all stores and distribution centers to.exceptionally reduce consumer risk, enhance product safety, and ensure compliance with all regulatory standards. TheSZ the Director establishes a culture of food safety within the company, runs comprehensive audit programs, and maintains private label quality assurance to ensure accurate labeling and the promotion of high‑quality private label products.

This position also builds and sustains relationships with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies to meet applicable requirements.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Ensures that quality assurance programs are compliant with regulatory requirements related to food safety and maintain consumer confidence. Builds and sustains positive, effective relationships with regulatory authorities.

Develops and evaluates existing programs impacting store sanitation, food safety practices, and regulatory compliance. Assists the Food Safety Manager with store audit programs, pest control, regulatory interface, and plan review and design.

Oversees the Private Brands Quality Assurance program and food safety aspects related to supplier and product approval, routine product evaluation against specifications and targets, and label review. Reviews third‑party audits, promotes GFSI‑recognized certification, and conducts audits when necessary. Coordinates with manufacturers when product quality or safety concerns arise and meets with vendors and brokers regarding specifications, labeling, and quality standards.

Manages the Foreign Supplier Verification Program and the required data for compliance.

Leads a team that includes a Food Safety Manager for retail, a Food Safety Manager for distribution centers, a Quality Assurance Field Manager for pest control, two inspection teams, a Product Recall Specialist, and a Regulatory Compliance Specialist. Performs overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the Food Safety and Quality Assurance teams, including interviewing, hiring, training, assigning, and performance appraisal.

Coordinates and executes all product withdrawals and recalls within the company and communicates internally and with regulatory agencies as warranted.

Collaborates with merchandising to ensure food handling and sanitation practices meet regulatory requirements and protect products.

Manages the Quality Assurance Inspection programs and Food Safety Plans at the Greensboro and Indian Trail distribution centers, supporting activities such as banana ripening, Seafood HACCP, and team policies and standards.

Oversees the consumer product complaint process for all products, measures, monitors, and follows up on complaints. Works with Customer Relations, Risk Management, insurance carriers, merchandising, brokers, and manufacturers/suppliers to ensure efficient resolution.

Stays abreast of technical developments by reviewing publications, articles, and abstracts.

Participates in the Conference of Food Protection (CFP), CFP committees, FMI Food Protection Committee, and the Association of Food and Drug Officials of the Southern States.

Works with Training and Development to identify, develop, and implement training for food safety and sanitation.

Functions as a core member of the Special Situation Team.

Represents Harris Teeter in food regulatory issues and ensures operations remain compliant.

Plans and conducts meetings for the Quality Assurance department.

Envision:
Craft a bold, strategic vision that aligns with the company’s direction and communicate it clearly to ensure teams understand the purpose.

Energize:
Cultivate a high‑energy environment that fuels momentum and engages teams through visibility, recognition, and Layers.

Enroll:
Build alignment and commitment by involving stakeholders early, communicating transparently, and ensuring everyone feels heard and empowered.

Enable:
Break down barriers, secure resources, and build capability across teams by…