FSQA Director - Protein

The FSQA Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of all Food Safety and Quality Assurance programs within a protein manufacturing organization. This role ensures full compliance with USDA, FSIS, FDA (as applicable), and customer requirements while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, product quality, and regulatory integrity. The FSQA Director plays a critical role in protecting brand reputation, ensuring regulatory readiness, and driving a culture of food safety and continuous improvement across all operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee all FSQA programs, including HACCP, SSOP, GMPs, food defense, allergen control, and animal welfare (as applicable).

• Ensure compliance with USDA/FSIS regulations, customer specifications, and third-party audit standards (e.g., SQF, BRC, or internal systems).

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve food safety and quality systems across multiple facilities or business units.

• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, including USDA/FSIS inspectors, auditors, and customers.

• Direct internal and external audits, manage corrective actions, and ensure timely resolution of non-conformances.

• Lead crisis management, recall readiness, traceability programs, and root-cause investigations for food safety or quality incidents.

• Partner with operations, engineering, maintenance, and supply chain teams to integrate food safety and quality into daily operations.

• Build, mentor, and develop FSQA leadership teams to ensure consistent standards and succession planning.

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to food safety, quality, customer complaints, and audit performance.

• Support new product development, process changes, and capital projects to ensure food safety and regulatory compliance.

• Promote a strong food safety culture through training, communication, and leadership engagement at all levels of the organization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Animal Science, Biology, or a related scientific field (advanced degree preferred).

• 10+ years of progressive FSQA leadership experience in protein or food manufacturing environments.

• In-depth knowledge of USDA/FSIS regulations, HACCP systems, microbiological controls, and sanitation programs.

• Experience leading third-party audits, regulatory inspections, and customer compliance programs.

• Proven leadership and people development experience in multi-site or complex manufacturing operations.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

• Demonstrated ability to manage risk, lead change, and drive continuous improvement.