What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Quality & Food Safety position at Consumer Connection, Inc.?
**THIS IS NOT A JOB WITH CONSUMER CONNECTION**
MUST Speak Spanish (oral/written)
MUST be located in IL or willing to relocate to IL
*Relocation assistance is available
Our rapidly growing CPG client in the natural food industry is seeking a Director of Quality & Food Safety to lead global food safety and quality control initiatives. This key leadership role will oversee safety and compliance across a network of 100 international facilities/suppliers, including U.S.-based contract manufacturers, warehouses, and processing plants.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with deep experience in managing global supply chains, particularly in high-risk regions, and a strong ability to drive process improvements and cultivate a company-wide culture of food safety.
Key Responsibilities:
Global Leadership in Food Safety & Quality Control
- Lead and oversee all food safety and quality control initiatives across global operations.
- Continuously monitor and enhance food safety protocols from raw materials to finished products.
- Develop and implement comprehensive food safety strategies aligned with industry best practices and regulatory standards.
Process Improvement & System Development
- Build and refine scalable, risk-mitigating food safety systems across all operations.
- Standardize quality control processes to maintain best-in-class product safety and integrity.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen food safety protocols.
Supply Chain & Risk Management
- Oversee the global supply chain, ensuring the safety and quality of products, particularly those sourced from high-risk countries.
- Identify and mitigate risks related to sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop contingency plans for food safety concerns.
Cultural Leadership & Change Management
- Champion a culture of food safety through leadership, training, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Develop and mentor a high-performing team of food safety professionals.
- Drive change management initiatives to enhance food safety standards and accountability.
Regulatory Compliance & Industry Standards
- Ensure compliance with local, national, and international food safety regulations (FDA, USDA, EFSA, GFSI, HACCP, etc.).
- Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, industry bodies, and external auditors.
Strategic Initiatives & Reporting
- Align food safety initiatives with business objectives, working closely with executive leadership.
- Provide regular reports on food safety performance, risk assessments, and improvement opportunities.
Travel & On-Site Engagement
- Conduct regular on-site inspections and audits at manufacturing and supplier facilities.
- Travel up to 50% domestically and internationally to ensure food safety compliance.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.
- 13 years of experience in food safety, quality control, or related roles, with at least 6 years in a leadership position.
- Deep knowledge of global food safety regulations, HACCP, GFSI standards, and quality management systems.
- Proven experience leading large teams and implementing food safety improvements at scale.
- Ability to identify risks, propose solutions, and drive implementation effectively.
- Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Professional proficiency in Spanish (oral & written) is required.
Work Environment:
- Remote role, but candidates must reside within 1 hour of Elmhurst, IL, for occasional on-site visits.
- Ability to travel up to 50% (domestic & international).
