VP of Food Safety and Quality (FSQ)

Our client is a food and beverage company. They are seeking an experienced VP of Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) to spearhead the food safety and quality initiatives.

Salary/Hourly Rate:

$200k – $220k DOE

Position Overview:

The VP of Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) will be responsible for managing all aspects of food safety, quality assurance, and compliance, while also providing strategic guidance to the Research and Development projects. The successful applicant will ensure the safe and compliant launch of new products, develop robust quality systems, and foster a culture of continuous improvement across production facilities.

Responsibilities of the VP of Food Safety and Quality (FSQ):

• Design and implement comprehensive food safety and quality assurance programs across all facilities, including copackers.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory standards set by the FDA, USDA, and other relevant agencies for Ready-to-Eat (RTE) sliced meats/meals and portable snack trays.
• Oversee food safety audits, inspections, and certifications, such as SQF, BRC, and HACCP, and ensure prompt resolution of any non-compliance issues.
• Collaborate closely with copackers to guarantee their compliance with our food safety and quality standards.
• Provide essential guidance to the R&D team on food safety, quality, and regulatory matters during new product development and reformulation.
• Assess potential risks in new formulations and production processes to guarantee safe and compliant product launches.
• Engage with R&D on ingredient and process innovations, ensuring quality and safety standards are maintained from conception to commercialization.
• Lead crisis management and recall initiatives, ensuring a swift and effective resolution.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement in food safety and quality by identifying and implementing best practices.
• Manage and mentor a team of food safety and quality professionals in our corporate and manufacturing facilities.
• Monitor and report on KPIs related to food safety, quality, and compliance.
• Stay current with industry trends, regulatory changes, and food safety technologies to enhance current processes.

Qualifications for the VP of Food Safety and Quality (FSQ):

• 10+ years of experience in food safety and quality, preferably in the RTE (Ready to Eat ) assembly, meat, bakery, or dairy industry.
• Experience with dairy, meat (fully cooked, heat-treated, raw), bakery, pasta, breaded appetizers, enrobed dough, portable meals, and prepackaged frozen entrees.
• Extensive experience and knowledge of audits and working with suppliers.
• Proven experience managing quality across multiple facilities.
• In-depth understanding of food safety regulations (FDA, USDA) and certification standards (SQF, BRC, HACCP).
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with a track record of managing teams and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience in handling product recalls and crisis management.
• Travel as needed to various locations in the US (internal plants, suppliers, etc.).

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in food science, Microbiology, or a related field is required.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Relocation assistance is available.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and expanding company.

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As a woman-owned firm, we value diversity. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), age, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, citizenship or any other characteristic protected by law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Candidates who apply for roles through the Atrium website will be added to our candidate pool and may be considered for additional roles of a similar title. Please contact us to request an accommodation.
EOE/M/F/D/V/SO