Senior Food Safety & Quality Systems Leader (Bakery Operations)

Job Description

Job Description

Make safety and quality the secret ingredients of every bake

At Aspire Bakeries, every loaf and cookie tells a story. From La Brea Bakery® artisan breads to Otis Spunkmeyer® cookies, our foods bring people together across North America—and our teams make it all possible. With 13 commercial bakeries and a culture built on care, ownership, and growth, we’re rising together to be the best all‑around bakery partner.

The role

As the Senior Food Safety & Quality Systems Leader for assigned bakery location(s), you’ll be the on-site authority for FSQA strategy, execution, and continuous improvement—protecting consumers, advancing our certifications, and elevating performance every day.

A day in the life

• Walk the floor to verify GMPs, allergen controls, sanitation, and preventive controls are working as designed; update and sustain robust HARPC-based Food Safety Plans.
• Lead readiness for GFSI/BRCGS certification, customer assessments, and third-party inspections; host FDA and USDA visits with confidence.
• Mine FSQA KPIs, environmental monitoring data, and microbiological trends to drive corrective and preventive actions and measurable improvements.
• Champion food safety culture through engagement, education, clear accountability, and SIFIRI practices that keep risks visible and controlled.
• Build, coach, and develop a high-performing FSQA team; set expectations, staff effectively, and manage performance.
• Partner closely with Operations, R&D, Customers, Regulatory Agencies, and Suppliers to lift outcomes across the value chain.
• Serve as the site’s voice on regulatory compliance (FDA/USDA) and internal governance.

Qualifications you bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Technology, or a related field.
• 10+ years in food manufacturing or quality, including multi-site leadership experience.
• 5+ years dedicated to food safety within a manufacturing environment.
• Deep, hands-on command of HACCP, HARPC, GMPs, and FDA and/or USDA regulations.
• PCQI certification.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred extras

• HACCP certification (FDA or USDA).
• GFSI certification (BRCGS preferred).
• Experience leading BRC, GFSI, FDA, or USDA audits.
• Background supporting organic, non-GMO, kosher, and halal certifications.
• Proven success leading environmental monitoring and pathogen control programs.

Schedule & compensation

• Shift: To be shared during the hiring process.
• Hours: To be shared during the hiring process.
• Weekend Availability: To be shared during the hiring process.
• Salary Range: To be shared during the hiring process.

Why you’ll love working here

• Culture
• Health & Wellness
• Work-Life Balance
• Financial Security
• Growth & Development
• Flexibility & Support
• Recognition & Rewards

Aspire Bakeries is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants.