Director Quality Systems And Assurance

Director, Quality Systems And Assurance

The Director of Quality Systems and Assurance leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the organizations quality management systems and food safety programs. This primarily first-shift role, generally between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, requires a high level of availability to support business needs, including early mornings, late evenings, or weekends when necessary. The director ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and industry standards while driving a culture of quality, accountability, and teamwork across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain robust quality management systems (QMS) aligned with industry standards such as HACCP and GFSI schemes, including BRC, SQF, and OFSS.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with food safety regulations, including FDA, USDA, and FSMA requirements, as well as specific customer quality and food safety expectations.
• Plan, conduct, and oversee internal audits, inspections, and validation activities to verify adherence to established quality and food safety standards.
• Lead and coordinate regulatory audits and third party certification audits, ensuring successful outcomes and timely resolution of any findings.
• Manage all documentation and recordkeeping related to quality systems and food safety programs, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee supplier audits and certifications, ensuring that suppliers meet defined quality and food safety criteria.
• Monitor and stay attuned to evolving quality management resources, information, and training opportunities to keep the organization aligned with best practices.
• Promote a strong culture of quality and compliance by leading through example and encouraging cross functional collaboration in support of quality objectives.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the quality function and across the organization to enhance product quality, process reliability, and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure readiness for all audits by maintaining uptodate systems, training, and documentation, and by being fully available to support audit activities as needed.

Essential Skills

• Proven expertise in quality assurance and quality systems management within a regulated environment, with a strong focus on food safety.
• Handson experience developing, implementing, and maintaining quality management systems (QMS) aligned with HACCP and GFSI schemes such as BRC, SQF, and OFSS.
• Indepth knowledge of food safety regulations and standards, including FDA, USDA, and FSMA requirements.
• Demonstrated experience planning, conducting, and leading internal audits, regulatory audits, and third party certification audits.
• Experience in regulatory affairs and compliance, with the ability to interpret and apply regulatory and customer requirements.
• Proficiency in managing documentation and recordkeeping for quality systems and food safety programs.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and managing supplier certifications to ensure alignment with organizational quality standards.
• Ability to lead cross functional teams, influence stakeholders, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills, with attention to detail and a structured approach to quality management.
• Willingness and ability to be available beyond standard working hours to support business needs and audit requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with a range of GFSIrecognized standards and schemes, including BRC, SQF, and OFSS.
• Experience leveraging external quality management resources and training to enhance internal capabilities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively across all levels of the organization, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated commitment to mentoring, coaching, and developing team members in quality and food safety practices.
• Comfort working in a dynamic environment where priorities may shift based on regulatory, customer, or operational needs.

Work Environment

The work environment supports employees in demonstrating their skills, teamwork, and leadership by setting a strong example for others. Team members focus not only on their own responsibilities but also on how they can assist colleagues and contribute to shared goals. The role is primarily first shift, generally between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the expectation that…