The Sterling Choice
Director of Quality
The Sterling Choice, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Position Summary:
The Ops Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) Director will lead FSQ initiatives across five food manufacturing sites, setting and executing strategies that align with business objectives, ensuring high-quality standards, and advancing continuous improvement.
Duties and Responsibilities:Serve on the FSQ Leadership Team, collaborating across departments to fulfill company goals.Oversee and verify site safety and sanitation standards to comply with GFSI and regulatory requirements, consulting on Food Safety Plans and preventive controls.Ensure strong sanitation and environmental programs are implemented to mitigate microbial risks.Guide analytical and sensory programs to meet customer standards, integrating food safety and quality verification into the commercialization process.Develop preventive strategies to reduce deviations and complaints by identifying risks, enhancing culture, and verifying compliance.Conduct internal audits, manage corrective actions, and ensure preparedness for external audits and regulatory compliance.Assist with plant audits and inspections as required by government agencies, customers, and third-party groups.Mentor and support the development of team members, manage workload priorities, and oversee the department’s budget.Lead quality culture initiatives, promoting safety-first, defect-free, and continuous improvement mindsets in collaboration with operations leadership.Utilize HACCP, FSMA, GFSI, SPC, and food technology principles to identify improvement opportunities and guide strategic initiatives.Cultivate strong relationships with customers and stakeholders, building Quality-to-Quality connections to ensure alignment.Note: This role requires significant travel (up to 50%) for team development and site performance verification.
Competencies / Skills / Abilities:Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills.Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, sometimes high-pressure environments.Skilled in strategic planning and proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent.
Education and Experience:Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field (Food Science, Food Technology, Food Safety, Microbiology, or equivalent).10+ years of experience in Food Safety and Quality, with multi-site responsibility preferred.HACCP certification, SQF practitioner, and PCQI certification preferred.Must have strong food manufacturing experience.
The Ops Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) Director will lead FSQ initiatives across five food manufacturing sites, setting and executing strategies that align with business objectives, ensuring high-quality standards, and advancing continuous improvement.
Duties and Responsibilities:Serve on the FSQ Leadership Team, collaborating across departments to fulfill company goals.Oversee and verify site safety and sanitation standards to comply with GFSI and regulatory requirements, consulting on Food Safety Plans and preventive controls.Ensure strong sanitation and environmental programs are implemented to mitigate microbial risks.Guide analytical and sensory programs to meet customer standards, integrating food safety and quality verification into the commercialization process.Develop preventive strategies to reduce deviations and complaints by identifying risks, enhancing culture, and verifying compliance.Conduct internal audits, manage corrective actions, and ensure preparedness for external audits and regulatory compliance.Assist with plant audits and inspections as required by government agencies, customers, and third-party groups.Mentor and support the development of team members, manage workload priorities, and oversee the department’s budget.Lead quality culture initiatives, promoting safety-first, defect-free, and continuous improvement mindsets in collaboration with operations leadership.Utilize HACCP, FSMA, GFSI, SPC, and food technology principles to identify improvement opportunities and guide strategic initiatives.Cultivate strong relationships with customers and stakeholders, building Quality-to-Quality connections to ensure alignment.Note: This role requires significant travel (up to 50%) for team development and site performance verification.
Competencies / Skills / Abilities:Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills.Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, sometimes high-pressure environments.Skilled in strategic planning and proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent.
Education and Experience:Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field (Food Science, Food Technology, Food Safety, Microbiology, or equivalent).10+ years of experience in Food Safety and Quality, with multi-site responsibility preferred.HACCP certification, SQF practitioner, and PCQI certification preferred.Must have strong food manufacturing experience.