Senior Director, Food Safety & Regulatory Strategy

Senior Director, FSQ Regulatory Compliance

#26-4691

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Job Description.

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

We are seeking a Senior Director, Food Safety & Quality Regulatory Compliance to lead regulatory strategy, scientific standards, and regulatory risk management across our USDA- and FDA-regulated operations. This enterprise leadership role will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, helping the organization navigate complex regulatory issues, anticipate emerging risks, and establish consistent, science-based food safety standards.

This position will be based in Hopkins, MN , with travel as business needs require.

What You’ll Do

• Lead enterprise regulatory compliance strategy across USDA/FSIS- and FDA-regulated operations, translating evolving requirements and enforcement trends into practical standards and proactive risk-reduction strategies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on complex regulatory issues, food safety risks, and significant compliance decisions.
• Lead regulatory strategy for significant food safety incidents, recalls, and market actions, including engagement with USDA/FSIS, FDA, and other regulatory authorities.
• Establish science-based food safety standards across HACCP, food microbiology, RTE/NRTE controls, shelf life, and cooking/heating validation.
• Provide regulatory and scientific guidance for new products, labels and claims, processes, and facility changes, including scientific studies and technical validations.
• Partner across FSQ, Operations, R&D, and other functions to strengthen regulatory compliance, build technical capability, and drive consistent food safety practices across the organization.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Engineering , or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive food safety, quality, and regulatory experience , including significant enterprise or multi-site leadership.
• Deep expertise in USDA/FSIS and FDA regulations , regulatory engagement, HACCP, food microbiology, and preventive food safety controls.
• Experience establishing technical standards and translating complex regulatory requirements into practical business strategies.
• Strong experience with scientific validation, risk assessment, incident response, and regulatory interpretation.
• Proven ability to influence executives and lead complex, cross-functional decision making.
• Strong communication, judgment, leadership, and organizational skills, with the ability to anticipate and respond to emerging regulatory risks.

What We Offer

The base salary range for this position is $155,000 to $255,000 annually, with eligibility for a 35% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email View email address on click.appcast.io .

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