Director, Food Safety & Quality - Coyote Technical & Executive Sourcing

DIRECTOR, FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY


My client is a unique food and technology company who is looking for a highly talented and fully motivated Director of Food Safety and Quality.

Position Summary

As the Director, Food Safety & Quality, your responsibilities will include creating and implementing quality and food safety processes for new and existing products as well as facilities. You will partner with a cross-functional team of Innovation, R&D, Marketing, Legal and Operations leaders to ensure a culture of quality and food safety throughout the organization.

Our business is one part science, one part art and will require meticulous planning and cross functional communication to ensure product quality and execution.

Core Responsibilities Innovation/New Product

• Manage food safety and quality aspects of all Innovation projects from concept to commercialization
• Work closely with operations and procurement teams to qualify new vendors and manufacturing locations; conduct audits as needed
• Create spec sheets for raw materials and review ingredients for compliance
• Evaluate new packaging formats for safety and quality
• Manage supporting documentation for all Innovation projects
• Partner with the Product Development and Procurement Teams to create product specifications and quality controls
• Review packaging artwork for all new products
• Support resolution of consumer complaints related to food safety and product design
• Partner with R&D for shelf life validation of new products
• Support line trials & first production runs as required

Core Responsibilities Manufacturing/Product Support

• Identify continuous improvement opportunities, in addition to establishing and executing product monitoring programs to consistently deliver safe and reliable products
• Develop and maintain facility quality systems in compliance with the company's quality standards and policies
• Set and implement processes for food safety, sanitation, technical services and laboratory
• Facilitate facility audits including the receiving, storage, cooler, freezer, cooking, assembly, pack out, and outside areas
• Maintain systems for checking, validating and verifying process compliance, including, but not limited to SPC (Statistical Process Control), HACCP Food Safety Plan, Food Quality Plan and Formula Control to provide production departments with tool necessary for daily operations
• Ensure effective food safety and food quality training for manufacturing team members and quality assurance staff
• Advise on food safety and food quality trends within the business and recommend appropriate corrective action
• Report the findings of food safety audits, analyze issues and implement solutions
• Review retain samples and evaluate any issues with designated manufacturing and R&D team members
• Create an Allergen Plan including identification, segregation of storage, and proven cleaning procedures (or segregated utensils)
• Provide training on GMPs and maintain required documentation
• Track and analyze consumer complaints and maintain a corrective action log to drive quality improvements and error reduction
• Act as internal consultant for customer care to address any customer concerns related to food safety or handling
• Lead efforts to prepare for external inspections

Required Experience/Skills/Attributes

• Bachelor of Science Degree, with an emphasis in Food Science, Microbiology, food engineering, Chemistry or related degree required.
• Minimum 10 years of related experience in the food industry; fresh food experience a plus
• Familiarity with FSMA and GFSI standards
• Audit certification strongly preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Proficient on computer programs and software required
• Proven leadership and business acumen skills
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions