Executive Director, Compliance

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.

Responsibilities

The Executive Director of Compliance is a strategic leader responsible for establishing, managing, and continuously improving the organization’s compliance framework. This is a hands-on, high-impact leadership role that drives the evolution of the compliance program to align with regulatory expectations and enterprise risk management. This role partners closely with legal, risk, HR, and operational leaders to embed ethical practices, regulatory adherence, and risk-based decision-making into the company’s strategic and operational framework. The position leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive compliance program encompassing privacy, food safety and quality assurance (FSQA), risk mitigation, auditing, Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance, licensing, government relations, and HR compliance. As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, Compliance, Risk Management, or related field required.
• Advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CCEP, CRCM, CCEP-F, CP-FS) strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in compliance and/or risk management, with food industry experience highly desirable.
• At least 7 years in a leadership or management capacity within a corporate compliance function.
• Proven track record in designing and executing large-scale compliance programs.
• Juris Doctor not required but helpful.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional travel to company locations, industry events, and regulatory meetings.
• Ability to communicate clearly in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.