Senior Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all food safety and quality control activities across the company’s operations.
• Ensure the continuous monitoring, improvement, and surveillance of all supply chains, from raw materials to finished products.
• Develop and implement comprehensive food safety strategies that align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Drive the development and enhancement of food safety systems and processes, ensuring they are robust, scalable, and capable of mitigating risks across all operations.
• Implement and refine quality control processes to maintain the highest standards of product safety and integrity.
• Lead initiatives to standardize food safety protocols across all facilities, ensuring consistency and compliance worldwide.
• Oversee the global supply chain, focusing on the safety and quality of commodities sourced from high-risk countries.
• Manage and mitigate risks associated with the sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution of food products, ensuring the safety of all ingredients and finished goods.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop contingency plans for potential food safety issues, ensuring rapid response and resolution.
• Lead change management initiatives to continuously improve food safety standards, processes, and practices across all levels of the organization.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of food safety professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Work closely with the COO, CEO and other senior leaders to align food safety initiatives with overall business objectives.
• Provide regular reports to the executive team on the status of food safety programs, including key metrics, risk assessments, and improvement opportunities.
• Travel extensively to various company facilities, supply chain partners, and high-risk regions to ensure direct oversight and engagement in food safety practices.
• Conduct regular on-site inspections and audits, providing hands-on leadership and support to local teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Advanced degrees or certifications in food safety or quality management are preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in food safety, quality control, or related roles within the food industry, with at least 7 years in a leadership position.
• In-depth knowledge of global food safety regulations, HACCP principles, GFSI standards, and quality management systems.
• Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams, driving substantial organizational change, and fostering a culture of safety.
• Solution-driven mindset with the ability to identify risks, propose actionable solutions, and implement changes effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with professional proficiency in English and Spanish (oral and written).