Hybrid VP of Quality – Food Safety

Posted last month

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About the role

  • VP of Quality & Food Safety overseeing global food safety and quality at a growing organic food company. Leading compliance and strategic initiatives across international facilities for product safety.

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
  • Ensure all facilities comply with local, national, and international food safety regulations and standards, including FDA, USDA, EFSA, and other relevant bodies
  • Serve as the company’s primary liaison with regulatory agencies, industry bodies, and external auditors on all matters related to food safety
  • 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

Requirements

  • 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 18 years of experience in food safety, quality control, or related roles within the food industry, with at least 9 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
  • Ability to develop and execute comprehensive food safety strategies that align with overall business goals
  • 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).

Benefits

  • Remote but candidates must be within 1 hour drive to/from Elmhurst, IL for occasional visits
  • Willingness and ability to travel extensively, up to 50%, both domestically and internationally

Job title

VP of Quality – Food Safety

Job type

Experience level

Lead

Salary

Not specified

Degree requirement

Bachelor's Degree

Location requirements

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