Director of Quality

Director of QualityPosition OverviewThe Director of Quality will lead the company's quality and safety programs across beverage production operations. This role is accountable for developing and executing a strategic quality roadmap, ensuring compliance with regulatory and customer requirements, and driving continuous improvement to maintain product safety, consistency and customer satisfaction. The Director will partner with operations, R&D, procurement and sales to embed a culture of quality and risk prevention across all manufacturing sites.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and implement the corporate quality and food safety strategy, policies and objectives to support business goals.5 Direct Reports= 4 supervisors and 1 QC analyst Oversee two sites = manufacturing facility and warehouse Oversee and continuously improve food safety systems including HACCP, GMP, SQF and other relevant certification programs; lead preparation for and response to third-party audits and regulatory inspections.Drive quality assurance for beverage and food manufacturing lines, ensuring product specifications, process controls and testing regimes meet customer and regulatory requirements.Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action processes for quality incidents, product holds and recalls; ensure timely communication and effective CAPA implementation.Establish and monitor KPIs for quality, safety and compliance; provide regular reporting and executive updates on performance, trends and risks.Manage supplier quality assurance programs including vendor qualification, audits, and raw material controls to mitigate supply chain risk.Build, mentor and lead a high-performing quality team across multiple sites; provide training on food safety, quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.Collaborate with operations and engineering to implement process improvements, validation activities and risk-based controls to reduce waste and improve yield.Oversee laboratory programs including QC testing, methods validation, calibration and data integrity practices.Act as the primary liaison with customers, regulatory bodies and certification bodies on quality and food safety matters.QualificationsBachelors degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.Minimum 5 years of progressive quality leadership experience in food and/or beverage manufacturing, including plant-level and corporate quality functions.Proven working knowledge and hands-on experience with HACCP, SQF (preferred), GMP, and other food safety management systems.Experience managing third-party audits and maintaining certifications (e.g., SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000) and navigating regulatory inspections.Strong understanding of food production processes, beverage manufacturing operations and laboratory testing principles.Demonstrated ability in quality tools and methodologies such as root cause analysis, CAPA, FMEA, statistical process control and continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma desirable).Experience leading supplier quality programs and managing supplier audits and corrective actions.Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills with experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing at senior levels.Willingness to travel to manufacturing sites and supplier locations as required.Professional certifications (e.g., HACCP certification, SQF Practitioner/Auditor, ASQ CQA/CQI) are highly desirable.BenefitsAnnual salary: $140,000 - $160,000 (based on experience)Bonus opportunitiesMedical, Dental, and Vision401k planPTO / Paid HolidaysWork with a fast-growing company!