Job Description

LHH Recruitment Solutions has partnered with a growing organization, and they are seeking a motivated Director, Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) to join their team. This is a critical leadership role for a hands-on, strategic FSQA professional who thrives in regulated food environments and enjoys building strong teams while driving continuous improvement. This opportunity is ideal for a food safety leader with deep USDA/FDA experience, a background in food & beverage manufacturing, and a proven ability to lead and develop multi-level teams.

The Director of FSQA will serve as the site-level food safety authority, providing both strategic oversight and day-to-day leadership for all food safety and quality programs. This individual will partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and Senior Leadership to ensure regulatory compliance, protect brand integrity, and continuously elevate food safety and quality standards across the facility and extended operations. This role leads a robust FSQA organization with 7-10 direct reports and plays a key role in audit readiness, regulatory interaction, customer engagement, and operational excellence.

Why This Role?

• High-visibility leadership position with meaningful influence on food safety culture.
• Opportunity to lead and shape a mature FSQA organization.
• Stable, growth-oriented manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide overall leadership and direction for food safety and quality assurance programs across manufacturing and distribution operations.
• Act as the primary site food safety leader, ensuring compliance with USDA, FDA, and applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of HACCP, preventive controls, and prerequisite programs.
• Serve as the main point of contact for regulatory agencies, third-party auditors, customers, and suppliers.
• Oversee internal, external, customer, and regulatory audits, ensuring timely and effective resolution of findings.
• Partner with Operations to enhance sanitation effectiveness, process controls, and product quality outcomes.
• Drive investigation, root cause analysis, and resolution of quality deviations and customer complaints.
• Establish, track, and report key quality and food safety KPIs to leadership.
• Provide QA leadership for capital projects, process changes, and new initiatives.
• Ensure proper disposition of materials and finished products in accordance with food safety and quality standards.
• Develop and deliver food safety and quality training across the organization.
• Manage departmental budgets, resources, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Leadership and Team Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing FSQA leadership team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Set clear expectations, performance goals, and development plans for direct reports.
• Actively participate in succession planning and talent development initiatives.
• Represent the FSQA function at the senior leadership level, contributing to broader business strategy.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in food & beverage manufacturing (oils industry experience strongly preferred).
• Extensive USDA and FDA regulatory experience within a manufacturing environment.
• 7+ years of leadership experience, including managing managers and/or technical professionals.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing direct reports.
• HACCP and/or PCQI certification (required).
• Strong working knowledge of GFSI-aligned food safety systems and regulatory expectations.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional partners and senior stakeholders.
• Background in multi-shift or complex manufacturing operations.
• Experience supporting offsite or third-party facilities.
• Strong analytical, communication, and decision-making capabilities.

Compensation Range: $125,000 - $160,000

Benefits Offered: 2 weeks of vacation, paid sick leave where applicable by state law, Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance Vision Insurance, 401K, and Life Insurance.

If you are a passionate Director, Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) looking for a new and rewarding career, please apply today! You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity!

LHH is a leader in permanent recruitment—and in the placement of top talent. Our areas of specialty include office administration, customer service, human resources, engineering, and supply chain and logistics. Please feel to check us out and apply for other opportunities if this role isn’t a perfect match.

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