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.
• Adapt quality strategies and programs to meet the changing needs of the business, ensuring that the company’s products continue to meet industry standards and customer expectations.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• 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 ELS 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.