Manager Quality

Main Purpose Of The Job

To ensure all products are manufactured safely, legally, and to the required quality standards by leading the site's food safety and quality management systems, maintaining regulatory and customer compliance, and driving a culture of quality across all functions to protect consumer trust and brand integrity.

ROLE AND ACTIVITY

• Protect product safety and consumer trust
• Ensure all products are manufactured in compliance with food safety legislation, industry standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP, FDA), and internal policies.
• Maintain and continuously improve the site’s Food Safety Management System.
• Lead quality governance and compliance
• Oversee adherence to regulatory requirements, customer standards, and third-party certifications.
• Manage audits, inspections, corrective actions, and documentation systems.
• Drive consistent product quality
• Ensure raw materials, processes, and finished products meet defined specifications.
• Lead root cause analysis and preventive actions to eliminate defects and reduce complaints (CPMU).
• Build a culture of quality
• Provide coaching, training, and leadership to embed quality ownership across all functions.
• Promote proactive quality behaviours and decision-making throughout the site.
• Strengthen cross-functional collaboration
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and R&D to prevent issues before they occur.
• Act as the voice of the consumer in all operational and strategic decisions.
• Manage quality team and capability
• Lead and develop the Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and Food Safety teams.
• Ensure the department has the skills, tools, and structure required to execute consistently.
• Support continuous improvement
• Use data analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Champion initiatives that improve product quality, reduce waste, and enhance operational reliability.

MEASURABLE OUTCOMES

• Food Safety KPIs
• Quality Performance KPIs
• Audit & Compliance KPIs
• Quality Systems & Governance KPIs
• Operational Support KPIs
• Consumer & Customer KPIs
• People & Culture KPIs
• Continuous Improvement KPIs

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
• HACCP certification (required).
• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification preferred.
• Training or certification in GFSI schemes (e.g., SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000) is an advantage.

Experience

• 5+ years of quality assurance or quality management experience within a food manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading food safety programs, regulatory compliance, and third party audits.
• Demonstrated experience managing a QA/QC team in a high volume production environment.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective/preventive actions.

Technical Competence

• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations (FDA, FSMA, USDA as relevant).
• Deep understanding of HACCP, GMPs, allergen controls, sanitation programs, and environmental monitoring.
• Able to interpret and manage specifications for raw materials, processes, and finished goods.
• C competence in data analysis, trending, and use of quality systems/software.

Leadership & Behavioral Skills

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and coaching skills; able to build a culture of quality across operations.
• High level of accountability, decision-making, and integrity.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with a focus on prevention, not reaction.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to lead and support audits (customer, regulatory, certification bodies).
• Comfortable working on the plant floor and engaging directly with operators and supervisors.
• Flexibility to support multiple shifts or site needs during audits, issues, or investigations.

Behaviors And Core Values

• We Take Ownership
• We Do What Is Right
• We Seek to Improve
• We Are Better Together

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The position involves frequent exposure to nuts and other potential allergens.
• The pay scale for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.
• Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Inc. provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.