Director of Quality

Director of Quality – Crete, Illinois (Greater Chicago area) Dutch American Foods, Inc. is seeking a Director of Quality. We are a privately held organization that custom blends and packages dry ingredients. This position will report to the CEO and have full responsibility leading the Quality function for an organization with two manufacturing locations and a workforce of 275 employees. This role will provide strategic and operational leadership for the QA, food safety and regulatory compliance programs. Ensures that all products are blended, packaged and shipped safely and consistently, in full compliance with FDA, customer, and company requirements, while building a plant-wide culture of food safety and continuous improvement across our manufacturing and warehousing network. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Develop, implement and maintain quality systems, policies and procedures of the company. This may include but is not limited to HACCP, SQF, FSMA and customer required accreditations. Assure appropriate quality agreements are established and maintained between manufacturing and warehousing sites. Manage processes to detect, document and execute opportunities for quality improvement and provide overall direction on complaint management and quality KPI’s. Communicate quality system status of the company through management reviews & quality audits. Interact with QC staff and management to recommend collaborative improvement efforts. Review and approve SOP’s, standard testing methods, master manufacturing documents and product/raw material specification sheets annually. Review and approve lab & EMP methods and ensure relevant staff is updated and trained annually. In collaboration with department managers, compile year end reports of all departmental data to assemble a summary report for review. Conduct a formal Annual Management review of the data with department managers to evaluate effectiveness of the Management System. Lead or conduct internal or external audits, conduct training as required. Conduct duties in an environmentally responsible manner. Perform any other duties as assigned. Supplier, Customer & Regulatory Management Manage the supplier approval and monitoring program, including receipt of required documentation, risk-based supplier auditing and ongoing supplier performance review. Manage the process to develop and control formulas, labels, customer specifications, nutritional information and other confidential technical data. Manage and maintain identity-preserved (IP) programs and protocols for kosher, organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, RSPO, and similar certified products. Manage customer-facing quality support, including customer surveys, DAF policy documents, allergen surveys, letters of guarantee, and identity-preserved certifications. Maintain recall and crisis-management readiness, including periodic mock recalls, to protect consumers and the business. Strategic & Team Leadership Partner with DAF leadership and plant management to ensure the company consistently produces, blends, packages and ships product that is safe, compliant and meets customer expectations. Foster a company-wide quality culture, leading and directing continuous improvement of and compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS) and related management initiatives. Provide strategic direction on quality and food safety matters affecting organizational structure, operating locations, capital planning and management systems. Manage the Quality department's budget and resources to support program effectiveness and cost-efficient operations. Supervisory Responsibility Supervise the plant quality managers and the SQF practitioner. Lead, mentor and develop the plant quality managers and the broader quality team, fostering accountability and professional growth. Possess excellent interpersonal relationship and communication skills. Apply and enforce company policies and procedures, lead and develop the quality team promoting a culture of quality and food safety. Education, Experience and Requirements Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field. Minimum 5 or more years of experience at the Director level managing the quality function in FDA or USDA regulated facilities. Possess strong knowledge or certifications in HACCP, SQF, PCQI, FSMA ,etc. Salary range of $135k - $160k annually. We offer a competitive benefits package – Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Ins., Opt. Life Ins., STD. PTO 401(k) plan with company match. #J-18808-Ljbffr