Director, Quality Assurance
 Dairy Farmers of America | |
 United States, Michigan, Grand Rapids | |
 Apr 01, 2026 | |
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GENERAL PURPOSE As a quality leader, function as an integrated business partner in the division. Demonstrate thought leadership, executive maturity, business acumen, collaboration, and a drive to execute with excellence. Measure progress and opportunities through metric management and compliance verification. Leverage expertise to manage risk, establish the proper mitigation controls, and grow the business organically by building confidence and strong partnerships with customer base. LOCATION Position will be based in our Mideast region and will require travel to support multiple sites including but not limited to:
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Champion a culture of excellence with emphasis on food safety and integrity. Drive engagement through servant leadership * Create high performing teams that are customer centric and focused on preventive risk mitigation and predictive analytics. Develop and grow team in a sustainable manner * Function as a key contributor to help shape the strategies, programs, and processes for food safety and quality (FSQ) * Collaborate and work in tandem with R&D, sales, operations, BU leadership, and other stakeholders * Serve as the FSQ contact for customers. Provide support for issue resolution, technical inquiries and metric management. Ensure compliance to customer agreements and monitor trends in data that may lead to rejection or non-compliance. Put preventive programs in place as needed * Create a strong partnership with manufacturing leadership and drive alignment regarding current state and any future planning/action regarding FSQ programs, capital needs, and optimization of processes * Leverage data analytics to improve efficiencies, optimize cost of quality and minimize the cost of nonconformance * Provide timely communication, KPI reports and written summaries regarding projects, mitigation activities, findings and compliance to programs/policies (short, mid and long-range goals) * Manage the food safety systems and quality assurance programs for assigned facilities to deliver against customer and regulatory requirements * Ensure food safety and quality plans are current, relevant, and are being followed and implemented. Ensure all preventive control (PC's) and critical control points (CCP's) are appropriate and records are complete and accurate * Lead serious issue management as it relates to assigned facilities * Apply knowledge of QC requirements, ensure application of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) to laboratory operations, support accuracy/precision, appropriateness of testing methodologies, proficiency and analytical results. Verify quality control (QC) programs at manufacturing sites are effectively and efficiently supporting production management * Monitor plant environmental monitoring programs and verify that their corrective actions and hygiene/sanitation programs are robust and mitigating risk. Provide leadership in mitigation activities * Proactively drive continuous improvement by understanding the gaps, reviewing trends, and data analytics. Ensure root cause analysis/corrective and preventive actions (RCA/CAPAs) are robust and actions are closed in a timely manner. Work with the plant and operations on any items that require capital and ensure the completion of those requests * Support the planning, due diligence, construction, and commercialization of new plant or existing plant expansions * Provide direction and support to sanitation efforts. Ensure quality managers review plant service reports and ensure action on any suggestions from the external representatives. Work with the sanitarians to ensure continued training and education of chemical use, software, SSOP practices, and sanitation verification activities * Participate in food safety risk assessment and infrastructure evaluation as needed. Work with quality managers to ensure action plans are developed and completed in a timely manner in tandem with the food safety team * Support R&D, operations, and the business on evaluating new opportunities. Provide risk-based evaluations and customer driven solutions. Provide support and guidance for product commercialization * Demonstrate knowledge on US and international regulations (if applicable) * Adequately interpret regulations, educate the business on regulations, and ensure compliance to the regulations through compliance verification * Perform management activities such as administering employee promotions and transfers; conducting ongoing performance conversations; mentoring, training, and coaching employees * Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements * The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE * Undergraduate degree in food science, biological sciences, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and experience) * Master of Science in food science or microbiology preferred * 10 or more years of FSQ or related experience within the food and beverage industry, preferably within the dairy category, coupled with 2+ years of management experience * Experience working in a manufacturing plant and operating in a centralized FSQ role * Experience in a senior FSQ role with multi-plant experience supplying domestic and international markets (if applicable) * Experience with manufacturing technologies, food safety, quality systems, risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, quality control, product commercialization, and customer engagement * Certification and/or License - PCQI, HACCP, SQF Practitioner certifications preferred; may be required during course of employment KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES * Comprehensive knowledge in manufacturing technologies, regulatory compliance, product development, food safety, quality control and risk mitigation * Exceptional leadership and coaching skills * Able to manage quality processes and methods in multiple locations and maintain consistency and compliance with all applicable regulations * Able to work and communicate with people at all levels of the organization * Able to demonstrate excellent troubleshooting, problem-solving, and follow-up skills * Able to organize and prioritize resources to achieve goals * Able to translate accounting, financial, and KPI data into plant performance and determine steps to correct and improve * Able to take appropriate steps to find solutions to complex problems * Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures * Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism * Able to lead others through change effectively * Must be able to read, write and speak English An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans | |