WILL RELOCATE!!!
Position: Vice President of Food Safety and Quality Assurance
The Vice President of Food Safety and Quality Assurance will spearhead initiatives related to food safety, quality control, compliance, and provide strategic input into Research & Development (R&D) projects. This role is critical in ensuring the safe and efficient introduction of new products, adhering to regulatory standards, developing quality systems, and fostering continuous improvement within production facilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and implement robust food safety and quality assurance programs across all manufacturing sites, including those managed by contract packers.
- Ensure full compliance with FDA, USDA, and other relevant regulatory requirements for ready-to-eat (RTE) sliced meats/meals and portable snack trays.
- Manage food safety audits, inspections, and certifications (such as SQF, BRC, HACCP), ensuring timely completion of corrective actions.
- Collaborate with contract packers to ensure adherence to food safety and quality standards.
- Partner closely with the R&D team, offering guidance on food safety, quality, and regulatory considerations for new product development and reformulations.
- Assess potential risks in new formulations and production processes, ensuring the safe and compliant launch of new products.
- Work closely with R&D on ingredient and process innovations, integrating quality and safety standards from conceptualization to commercialization.
- Lead crisis management and product recall efforts, ensuring quick and effective resolutions.
- Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement in food safety and quality, identifying and implementing industry best practices.
- Lead and mentor a team of food safety and quality professionals.
- Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to food safety, quality, and compliance.
- Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging food safety technologies to enhance existing processes.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 10 years' experience in food safety and quality, ideally within the RTE, meat, bakery, or dairy sectors.
- Demonstrated experience working with contract packers and managing quality across multiple sites.
- Deep understanding of food safety regulations (FDA, USDA) and certification standards (SQF, BRC, HACCP).
- Strong grasp of the R&D process, particularly how food safety and quality are incorporated into product development.
- Proven leadership and communication skills, with experience in managing teams and collaborating across functions.
- Experience in handling product recalls and crisis management.
- Willingness to travel as needed to oversee contract packers and production facilities.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
- Relocation assistance available.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Opportunities for professional growth and career development within a dynamic and expanding organization.
Marcum Search is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Marcum Search does not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected classification under the law.
For job requisitions posted to certain locations, Marcum Search is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range. This compensation range is specific to certain locations and 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.