Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance

Sterzing Food Company is looking for a Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance 

Job Overview

• Position Title: Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA)
• Department: Quality Assurance & Food Safety
• Employment Type: Full-time

Key Responsibilities

• Regulatory Compliance: Direct compliance with FDA, FSMA, HACCP, state/local food health regulations, and Third Party Certifiers. Serve as the primary liaison during regulatory audits and inspections.
• GFSI System Management: Oversee and continually improve our SQF food safety management systems across all snack processing and packaging lines.
• Supplier Audits: Validate the quality and safety of raw materials by executing robust supplier verification programs and performance audits.
• Traceability & Recall Readiness: Maintain end-to-end product traceability systems. Lead cross-functional mock recall simulations to test organizational readiness.
• Team Leadership & Culture: Manage, mentor, and build a high-performing team of plant FSQA technicians and sanitation specialists. Champion a culture of continuous food safety awareness from the production floor to the boardroom.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain and continually improve a robust quality control system.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Experience: 8–10+ years of progressive food safety leadership experience, specifically within baked goods, snack foods, or high-volume food manufacturing plants.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline
• Certifications: Active PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual), Certified HACCP Manager, and SQF Practitioner credentials.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Environment: Active, fast-paced snack manufacturing facility.
• Conditions: Routine exposure to production machinery noise, changing temperatures, and common food allergens.
• PPE & Mobility: Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (hairnets, beard nets, smocks, steel-toe shoes) and stand/walk for extended periods during plant inspections.