Quality Director

Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) BUSINESS CONTEXT The company is a private equity–owned contract packaging and manufacturing company based in Los Angeles, California. We are growing profitably and continually investing in our people, processes, and facilities. Our success is built on a deep commitment to quality, food safety, and operational excellence, and we are looking for a leader who will help us protect and advance that commitment as we scale. Position Summary The Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategy, governance, and day-to-day execution of all food safety and quality programs across the company. This individual will champion a quality-oriented culture throughout the organization, ensuring that every team member, from the production floor to the executive suite, understands their role in delivering safe, compliant, and high-quality products. The Director will lead the FSQA team, serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies, customers, and third-party auditors, and partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and senior leadership to embed quality into every aspect of the business. Core Skill Sets Required Leadership & Culture Build, lead, and develop a high-performing FSQA team, fostering accountability, growth, and engagement. Champion and reinforce a proactive, quality-oriented culture across all levels of the organization. Serve as a visible quality leader and trusted partner to Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, and executive leadership. Translate quality strategy into clear goals, metrics, and behaviors that the entire workforce can rally behind. Food Safety & Quality Systems Own and continuously improve the company’s food safety and quality management systems, including HACCP, GMP, sanitation, and allergen control programs. Maintain readiness for and lead third-party audits (e.g., SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000) and customer audits, driving toward best-in-class certification outcomes. Oversee supplier quality, raw material and finished goods specifications, and incoming/outgoing inspection programs. Lead investigations of quality incidents, deviations, and complaints, ensuring effective root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA). Regulatory & Compliance Ensure full compliance with FDA, FSMA, cGMP, and applicable state and federal regulations. Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and lead responses to inspections and inquiries. Maintain accurate documentation, recordkeeping, and traceability systems to support audits and recalls. Continuous Improvement & Operations Partnership Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and report performance to leadership and ownership. Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce defects, waste, and risk while supporting profitable growth. Partner with Operations to balance quality, throughput, and cost in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Support new product introductions, customer onboarding, and capacity expansion with sound quality planning. Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field. 8+ years of progressive FSQA experience in a manufacturing or contract packaging environment, including 3+ years in a leadership role. Deep knowledge of HACCP, GMP, FSMA, and food safety scheme certifications (SQF, BRC, or FSSC 22000). Demonstrated success leading audits and building or scaling quality systems. Proven ability to build and lead teams and to influence a quality-oriented culture across an organization. Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership skills. Preferred Experience in the vitamin, supplement, or nutraceutical industry (including familiarity with 21 CFR Part 111 dietary supplement cGMP). Experience in a private equity–backed, high-growth environment. Relevant certifications (e.g., PCQI, SQF Practitioner, HACCP, ASQ CQM/OE). Master’s degree in a related discipline. What The Company Offers A leadership seat at a profitable, growing company where quality is a strategic priority. The opportunity to shape and scale FSQA programs and culture company-wide. Competitive compensation, benefits, and performance-based incentives. #J-18808-Ljbffr