Director of Food Safety Quality - US Domestic Network

About the role

Johnsonville is seeking a Director of Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) to lead the tactical implementation and consistent execution of food safety, regulatory, and quality systems across U.S. Domestic operations. Reporting to the Vice President of Food Safety & Quality, this leader will develop and coach FSQ team members, advance management system effectiveness, and ensure company standards and strategic priorities are embedded in daily operations. The role partners closely with business leaders and cross‑functional teams to strengthen organizational capability, promote a culture of accountability, and ensure the delivery of safe, compliant, and high‑quality products.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop US Domestic FSQ members and leaders to strengthen technical capability, accountability and readiness for expanded responsibility.
• Build a strong FSQ team culture that supports food safety commitment beyond compliance.
• Partner with FSQ leadership to translate strategic priorities into clear tactical plans, accountabilities and implementation milestones.
• Lead implementation of Food Safety, Animal Welfare, Regulatory and Quality Systems across US Domestic facilities.
• Establish, standardize and continuously improve Food Safety, Quality and Animal Welfare procedures, operating practices, product specifications and management routines.
• Ensure regulatory requirements are effectively communicated, implemented, maintained and verified across US Domestic operations.
• Monitor execution and system effectiveness through performance measures, internal compliance activities and management review.
• Lead successful completion of GFSI Certification of all US Domestic plants.
• Identify system gaps, remove implementation barriers and ensure timely corrective and preventive actions are completed and sustained.
• Provide technical direction, coaching and escalation support to facility FSQ teams for significant food safety, regulatory and quality matters.
• Partner with Operations, FSQ Technical Services, Research and Development and Business Unit leaders to integrate FSQ requirements into operating and business processes.
• Coordinate consistent application of FSQ requirements across fresh, ready‑to‑eat, sow harvest and new technology operations.
• Ensure FSQ resources and expertise are effectively deployed to support operational improvements, new products and business priorities.
• Lead implementation of digitization and data analytics use within food safety, animal welfare, regulatory compliance and quality systems.
• Manage assigned US Domestic FSQ resources and operating budget in alignment with established priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Microbiology or related technical field (required).
• Master’s Degree, PhD, or additional years of experience (preferred).
• Basic HACCP Certification (required).
• PAACO training and certification (preferred).
• GFSI Practitioner Certification (preferred; SQF and/or BRC preferred).
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 30% of the time.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the food industry (required); additional years may substitute for an advanced degree.
• Meat/Protein industry experience (required).
• Demonstrated progression in leadership roles within Food Safety & Quality organizations.
• Minimum of 5 years of people leadership experience (required).
• Active participation in industry associations with leadership involvement and an established professional network (preferred).
• Experience with SAP, data analytics tools, and digitization platforms such as RedZone and/or Safety Chain.

Skills

• Proven ability to develop self and others, building capability and preparing team members for increased responsibility.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution and attention to detail.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of building and leading high‑performing FSQ teams.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, evaluate, and implement innovative technologies in practical and scalable ways.
• Strong communication, relationship‑building, and influence skills across all levels of the organization.

Benefits

• Potential monthly bonus.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Fertility and adoption assistance.
• Competitive paid time off, including paid parental leave.
• 24/7 onsite fitness center.
• Onsite medical clinic.