Senior Director, Food Safety & Quality (FSQ)
Chicago, IL - USA
Job Summary
Summary
The Senior Director Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) is responsible for leading and advancing the companys food safety quality assurance and regulatory compliance programs across all manufacturing sites. This role ensures products meet the highest standards of safety quality and customer expectations while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations. The Senior Director partners cross-functionally to drive enterprise-wide FSQ initiatives and foster a strong culture of food safety and quality.
Essential Functions
Develop and execute the companys Food Safety & Quality strategy aligned with business objectives
Serve as the enterprise leader for FSQ across all manufacturing facilities and distribution networks
Build and promote a strong food safety and quality culture across the organization
Oversee implementation and continuous improvement of FSQ systems including HACCP HARPC GMPs SSOPs and environmental monitoring programs
Ensure all facilities maintain certification to applicable GFSI standards (e.g. SQF BRCGS FSSC 22000)
Lead internal external and regulatory audits and drive corrective and preventive actions
Ensure compliance with all applicable U.S. and international regulations including FDA (FSMA) USDA and state/local requirements
Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies during inspections and inquiries
Identify assess and mitigate food safety and quality risks across the supply chain
Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes for quality and food safety incidents
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using data analytics and industry best practices
Guide the organization in evaluating and implementing new strategies technologies and equipment to enhance food safety and data collection
Partner with Commercial and R&D teams to support customer requirements audits and new product development
Ensure timely and effective response to customer complaints and quality issues
Lead mentor and develop a high-performing FSQ team across multiple locations
Establish clear performance expectations and promote cross-functional collaboration
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelors degree in Food Science Microbiology Chemistry or related field required; Masters preferred
1215 years of progressive experience in food safety and quality within the food manufacturing industry
Experience leading multi-site or global FSQ operations
Experience in food ingredients CPG or industrial food manufacturing environments preferred
Technical Skills
Strong knowledge of FSMA FDA regulatory requirements and GFSI-recognized standards (SQF BRCGS FSSC 22000)
Expertise in HACCP Preventive Controls sanitation allergen control and supplier quality management
PCQI certification required or ability to obtain
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Leadership Competencies
Proven ability to lead through influence and drive organizational change
Strong communication skills with the ability to engage senior leadership and external stakeholders
Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional initiatives
Work Environment & Travel
Based in the United States; proximity to a major manufacturing site or corporate HQ preferred
Travel up to 3050% to manufacturing facilities and suppliers
Compensation: $185000-$230000
Benefits:
- Medical Insurance
- Prescription Drug Plan
- Dental/Vision Insurance
- Employee Incentive Plan
- Flexible Spending Account
- Cash Accumulation Plan-401K
- Life/AD&D Insurance
- Short- Term/Long-Term Disability
- Vacation Plan
- Paid Holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Pet Insurance
Required Experience:
Exec
About Company
Job Summary: Performs functions directed towards successfully and efficiently meeting packaging goals for customer orders by dumping ready to package product to...