Senior Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance

Senior Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance

Location: Chicago, IL. Within 1 hour drive to/from Elmhurst. Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Job Type: Full-time

Company Overview: We are a rapidly growing player in the natural private label food industry, dedicated to providing high-quality, organic, and sustainably sourced food products. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and ethical business practices sets us apart as a key player in the industry. As we continue to expand our product portfolio and market presence, we are seeking a dynamic Senior Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance to lead our global food safety and quality control efforts.

Position Overview

This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of our products across over 100 international suppliers, including a U.S. network of contract manufacturers, warehouses, and processing plants. The ideal candidate will have a hands-on approach, with extensive experience in managing global supply chains, particularly in higher risk profile countries. This role requires a visionary leader who can drive substantial improvements, build robust processes, and foster a company-wide culture of food safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Global Leadership in Food Safety & Quality Control:
  • 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.
• Process Improvement & System Development:
  • 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.
• Supply Chain & Risk Management:
  • 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.
• Cultural Leadership & Change Management:
  • 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.
• Regulatory Compliance & Industry Standards:
  • 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.
• Strategic Initiatives & Reporting:
  • 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 & On-Site Engagement:
  • 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.

Qualifications

• 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 15 years of experience in food safety, quality control, or related roles within the food industry, with at least 7 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).

Work Environment

• 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.

NSI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.