Senior Director Quality Assurance
4 days ago
Syracuse
Senior Director of Quality We are working with a fast-growing food/beverage manufacturer based in central NY state, that is looking to expand their leadership team. They are looking for a dynamic, hands-on Sr. Director of Quality, that can work closely with both the plant team and the executive leadership team. This pivotal role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive quality strategy that ensures the highest standards of food safety, regulatory compliance, and product quality. You will oversee all quality assurance functions, manage the laboratory operations, and collaborate cross-functionally to maintain the integrity of the products from production through to delivery. The ideal candidate will be a strong leader with a deep understanding of food safety regulations, quality control processes, and laboratory management. Location: Central New York State Job Responsibilities: • Oversee adherence to food safety, quality, and environmental regulations at all levels of government, ensuring compliance through regular inspections, risk assessments, and ongoing program evaluations., • Establish and maintain strong working relationships with regulatory authorities, including the FDA, USDA, OSHA, and state-level agencies, to ensure alignment with industry standards and regulatory requirements., • Direct investigations into quality deviations by identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions, and establishing preventive measures to mitigate future issues., • Lead the Quality Assurance program, managing comprehensive product testing (chemical, physical, microbiological) and shelf-life assessments to guarantee product consistency, safety, and quality., • Drive the development and implementation of training programs for plant personnel on key quality areas such as sanitation practices, allergen management, and safe handling procedures., • Spearhead the HACCP and SQF programs, ensuring that all food safety and quality protocols meet or exceed established industry standards., • Work closely with the R&D department to verify the safety and quality of finished products, overseeing ingredient inspections, testing, and ensuring compliance with packaging and sanitation standards., • Partner with operations teams to address quality challenges and drive continuous improvements in manufacturing processes, ensuring seamless integration of quality initiatives across the plant., • Collaborate with production teams to ensure that equipment, procedures, and final products meet all required quality specifications., • Foster open communication across all levels of staff to create a positive work environment focused on teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement., • Manage the scheduling and performance of QA and laboratory staff to ensure efficient resource allocation and high operational standards., • Promote a culture of quality excellence by providing ongoing training on key quality assurance processes, including dairy testing, Certificate of Analysis (COA) procedures, and best practices for milk sampling and testing., • Facilitate regular meetings with quality teams to ensure alignment of goals, performance expectations, and project timelines., • Prepare and present detailed quality performance reports to senior management, enabling data-driven decision-making and supporting ongoing improvement efforts., • Address customer complaints promptly, conduct investigations, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions to enhance customer satisfaction and product quality., • Lead the annual quality budget process, establishing clear financial targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to improve operational efficiency and manage costs effectively., • Identify opportunities for cost savings within the quality assurance process, ensuring that safety, compliance, and product standards are not compromised., • Provide leadership and support for food safety and quality initiatives during off-shifts as required to ensure ongoing operations and compliance., • Take on special projects and additional tasks as assigned by the CEO to align with the company’s evolving business goals and quality objectives., • Bachelor’s degree in food technology, or a related field preferred., • 10+ years’ experience in quality assurance within food/beverage manufacturing., • Experience in aseptic and ESL processes preferred., • Expertise in regulatory compliance, food safety, labeling, and quality standards for dairy production., • Experience with Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) and mass spectrometry is preferred., • Familiarity with USDA, State, and Federal regulations for food manufacturing facility., • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.