We are looking for a Senior Vice President, Food Safety & Quality Assurance to lead all aspects of food safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance and relations, and provide strategic input into New Product Innovation projects. This role requires a deep understanding of food science, regulatory requirements, and quality assurance practices, particularly in the context of processed meat products (beef, pork, turkey, chicken, seafood).
Requirements
- Develop and implement comprehensive quality assurance and food safety programs across the supply chain, from sourcing to manufacturing to distribution.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant local, national, and international regulations and standards, (including FDA, USA and export markets), as well as with Open Farm’s certification requirements (i.e., Global Animal Partnership, Certified Humane, OceanWise, MSC/ASC).
- Lead and enhance ingredient and product testing programs.
- Oversee food safety audits, inspections and certifications (SQF, BRC, HAACP, etc.)
- Collaborate with 3rd party suppliers, manufacturers and distributors to ensure they meet the company’s safety and quality requirements.
- Play critical role in evaluating and onboarding new supplier and co-manufacturing partners.
- Lead crisis management efforts in response to any quality or safety issues, and ensure transparent communication with consumers, regulators, and other key stakeholders.
- Foster a culture of quality and safety throughout the organization, promoting continuous education, training, and awareness among employees.
- Stay engaged with Innovation and R&D teams on new product development, as well as ingredient and process innovations, ensure food safety, quality and compliance standards are integrated into development and commercialization processes.
- Lead day-to-day R&D function, specifically with regards to formulation compliance and consistency, product reformulation, and ingredient/processing monitoring
- Collaborate with Marketing and Customer Service teams to communicate quality and safety standards and initiatives to customers and the public where relevant.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, innovations, and regulatory changes that impact food quality and safety, and adjust strategies accordingly.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Short-term incentives
- Long-term equity as part of total compensation
