Director Quality Operations

A rapidly growing, multi‑site beverage manufacturer is seeking a hands‑on Director of Quality and Food Safety. This leader will elevate food safety culture, build a world‑class sanitation program, and drive innovation across a high‑growth, fast‑moving production environment.

We’re looking for someone equally comfortable in the lab, on the floor, and in front of auditors. The right candidate brings strong experience in thermal processing, microbial control, regulatory compliance, and formulation development.

$/yr – $/yr

• Maintain compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 111, 117, FSMA, and customer‑specific GFSI standards (FSSC 22000, SQF, etc.)
• Serve as the primary contact during regulatory inspections, third‑party audits, and customer audits
• Lead HACCP plan development, including hazard analysis, validation, and monitoring
• Oversee process authority relationships and pasteurization validation studies
• Ensure compliance with environmental monitoring, allergen controls, and hygienic equipment maintenance
• Approve and validate shelf‑life studies, microbial challenge tests, and stability testing

• Design and implement a comprehensive, multi‑site sanitation program
• Develop SSOPs, ATP/visual verification, and chemical control procedures
• Establish validated cleaning procedures and environmental monitoring frequencies
• Build the foundation for a future dedicated Sanitation Department, including key hires
• Partner with Maintenance to ensure CIP systems and equipment meet hygienic design standards

• Strengthen and standardize quality programs across all facilities (document control, product release, CAPAs, deviations, traceability)
• Build, train, and mentor teams in microbiology, analytical testing, and sensory evaluation
• Develop and monitor quality metrics (complaints, holds, non‑conformances) and lead root cause analysis
• Oversee finished product and ingredient testing: TPC, yeast/mold, coliforms, pH, Brix, DO, sensory

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years in food or beverage manufacturing (RTD, thermal processing, nutraceuticals strongly preferred)
• Successful track record managing FDA inspections, customer audits, and GFSI programs
• Deep technical expertise in microbiology, sanitation, and preservative systems
• Hands‑on experience with pasteurization tunnels, CIP systems, and process validations
• Strong people leader with the ability to build and coach high‑performing teams

Director

Full‑time

Quality Assurance

Food and Beverage Manufacturing