Vice President, Quality & Food Safety

Vice President, Quality & Food SafetyHeadquartered in Vineland, NJ, F&S Fresh Foods is leading the way in fresh-cut fruit, vegetables, and meal solutions distribution. With the recent acquisition of five additional state-of-the-art facilities strategically located across the U.S., we now deliver to customers across the United States and Canada — every single day!For over 40 years, we've been redefining production and safety processes, building strong partnerships, and creating endless possibilities for our diverse customers — from restaurants and supermarket prepared food operations to convenience store chains and beyond. At F&S, we are fueling families with nutrition, innovation, and convenience, turning meals into memorable moments. By combining cutting-edge technology, deep-rooted customer relationships, and operational excellence, we are shaping the future of fresh — from farm to family.We're not just about food; we're about people. Recognized as a Great Place to Work for three consecutive years, our team of 2,100 full-time employees drives our culture forward by living our values every day. If you're ready to be part of a company that values innovation, excellence, and community impact, join us as we embrace our next exciting chapter of growth. Together, we're planting the seeds of progress and nourishing a fresh, healthy future for everyone!The Vice President, Quality & Food Safety is F&S Fresh Foods' senior executive leader for Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Regulatory Compliance, Supplier Quality, and Customer Quality across all of our facilities. This role sets the enterprise-wide strategy, standards, and systems that keep our products safe, consistent, and compliant with every regulatory, customer, and certification requirement. As the company's senior authority on food safety risk, audit readiness, and crisis management, you will protect consumers, customers, and the F&S brand while partnering closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Product Development, Sales, and Executive Leadership. The ideal candidate is a strategic, data-driven leader who earns the trust of customers and regulators, develops strong teams, and champions a culture where food safety and quality are everyone's responsibility.Set and execute the long-term Quality and Food Safety strategy, including enterprise goals, standards, KPIs, and governance processes aligned with business objectivesLead all corporate Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Regulatory Compliance, Supplier Quality, and Customer Quality functions, ensuring consistent programs across all facilitiesOwn the enterprise Food Safety Management System, including HACCP, Preventive Controls, Environmental Monitoring, Allergen Management, Traceability, Food Defense, and pathogen controlEstablish and maintain enterprise quality management systems so products consistently meet specifications, customer expectations, and regulatory requirementsEnsure compliance with FDA, USDA, FSMA, GFSI, state, local, and customer requirements, interpreting emerging regulations and maintaining audit and inspection readiness at every siteServe as senior liaison with regulatory agencies, certification bodies, and customer auditors, overseeing closure of audit findings, regulatory actions, and corrective actionsServe as executive authority and decision-maker for food safety incidents, recalls, and crisis response, maintaining risk assessment, traceability, mock recall, and incident management programsRepresent F&S during customer visits, audits, business reviews, and quality events, building strategic relationships and leading resolution of significant complaints and brand-risk eventsPartner with Commercial, Product Development, and Operations to support growth while maintaining product integrity and improving customer satisfactionEstablish supplier approval, audit, and monitoring standards and drive supplier performance improvement, partnering with Procurement to mitigate supply chain riskDrive data-based improvement to reduce defects, waste, and customer complaints and improve process capability, publishing executive dashboards and performance updates for leadershipLead and develop Directors, Managers, and technical leaders, building succession plans, bench strength, and a culture of accountability, engagement, and high performanceEstablish enterprise training standards and competency requirements, partnering with Operations and Human Resources to build food safety and quality into talent development and performance managementChampion a companywide culture where food safety and quality are everyone's responsibility, promoting proactive risk identification and continuous improvementServe as the company's senior subject matter expert on food safety, quality systems, microbiology, compliance, and regulatory mattersParticipate in strategic planning, acquisition integration activities, and enterprise transformation initiativesMust have: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Technology, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline; Master's degree preferredMust have: HACCP and Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) certificationsMust have: 15+ years of progressive Quality and Food Safety leadership, including 7+ years leading multi-site organizationsMust have: Extensive experience in fresh, refrigerated, ready-to-eat, produce, protein, or other highly regulated food manufacturingMust have: Proven success leading customer audits, regulatory inspections, certification audits, recalls, and crisis eventsMust have: Strong knowledge of FDA, USDA, FSMA, GFSI, Environmental Monitoring Programs, and Quality SystemsNice to have: Lead Auditor, SQF Practitioner, BRCGS, or equivalent certificationPersonal quality: Strategic, consumer- and customer-focused decision-maker who uses metrics, risk assessments, and audit results to set priorities while balancing operational and commercial objectivesPersonal quality: Executive presence and influence with customers, regulators, and leadership, with a track record of building high-performing teams and delivering measurable results