Director of Quality

About the Role

The Director of Quality Control, reporting to the VP of Quality and part of the Quality Leadership Team, provides strategic and operational leadership for all Quality Control, Sanitation, and Laboratory functions across five U.S. Finlays Solutions manufacturing sites. The role ensures raw materials, in‑process controls, finished goods, and hygiene/sanitation meet internal specs, customer expectations, and regulatory/third‑party standards. This leader drives standardization, data integrity, continuous improvement, and operational efficiency across tea, coffee, botanical, and fruit‑based beverage portfolios, supported by strong people leadership and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Quality & Food Safety Leadership:
  • Implement, execute, and improve quality systems aligned with GFSI, including food safety, allergens, food defense, food fraud, and sanitation programs.
  • Maintain external certifications (e.g., Organic, Fairtrade, RA, Kosher, Halal) in collaboration with the Director of Quality Assurance.
  • Govern HACCP and site Food Safety Teams to ensure accurate risk assessments and effective controls.
  • Oversee documentation, non-conformance management, complaint handling, audits, incident management, validation/verification, and cost-of-non-conformance programs.
  • Ensure customer technical requirements are met, collaborating with Commercial on key customer relationships.
  • Support supplier management, co-packers/co-manufacturers, regulatory compliance, legal registers, and Agrochemical/Contaminant policy.
• Quality Control & Laboratory Management:
  • Oversee laboratory operations to ensure reliable, repeatable analytical and sensory results guiding raw material, process, and product decisions.
  • Implement and validate analytical methods, calibrations, ring testing, and equipment maintenance.
  • Use monitoring/measurement systems and visual management to support process control.
  • Manage QC budgets, laboratory Capex, data storage/traceability, and lab throughput/utilization.
  • Introduce new analytical technologies and support Commercial, R&D, and Innovation.
  • Oversee at-source quality activities within operations.
• Quality Improvement:
  • Lead quality improvement projects with Operations using scientific, data-driven problem-solving.
  • Support commissioning of new products/processes, ensuring quality, food safety, and compliance.
  • Drive transition to online/inline monitoring and support training and deployment of quality programs.
• People Leadership & Development:
  • Build and lead a high-performing team with clear strategy, capability frameworks, coaching, and cross-site knowledge sharing.
  • Drive performance management, succession planning, and Quality/Food Safety culture aligned to Finlays values.
  • Engage external industry experts to elevate team exposure and best practices.
  • Set objectives and deliverables; conduct 1:1s, performance reviews, and development plans.
  • Mentor and guide direct reports, provide stretch assignments, and ensure accountability.
  • Resolve conflicts effectively and strengthen collaboration with site Leadership teams.
  • Develop training programs supporting compliance and strong Quality/Food Safety culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science field
• 8+ years in Quality Management, including 4+ years multisite leadership
• Required certifications: SQF, HACCP Level 3, PCQI, Lead Auditor; Food Defense/Fraud preferred
• Better Process Control School and/or strong microbiology and thermal processing knowledge
• Beverage processing experience (extraction, blending, aseptic, packaging) preferred
• Strong analytical, statistical, and problem-solving skills with ability to make fact-based decisions
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, manage teams, and communicate effectively with customers and internal partners
• Strong interpersonal, conflict resolution, organizational, and multitasking abilities
• Commitment to customer service and continuous improvement
• Experience training/developing teams
• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed, with 30% travel to maintain site presence

Pay

The salary range for this role is $170,000 - $190,000. Within this range, individual pay is determined by the work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Benefits

The total compensation package for this position includes:

• Choice of health care plan (medical, vision, and dental insurance)
• Quarterly incentive bonus
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Bereavement leave
• 401(K) for all eligible employees