FSQA Team Director

The ARM Group is looking for FSQA Director for our clients located in Phoenix, AZ

Purpose & Scope: The Food Safety and Quality Assurance Director reports directly to the Vice President of Operations and Quality and is accountable for managing all facets of the in-house food manufacturing laboratory. This position is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of quality and food safety in the production of mochi. As the leader of the quality team, the director supervises two direct reports: the FSQA Leader (Tech & Lab TA or Leader) and the FS Compliance and Regulatory Leader (Manager). The role requires daily collaboration with all departments within the manufacturing operation to ensure adherence to company policies and procedures. Additionally, this position must demonstrate strong teaching skills and foster positive relationships with team members, customers, and vendors.

Primary Job Functions:

• Oversee and direct the FSQA Department’s adherence to internal and external quality and food safety standards.
• Oversee development of all members of the FSQA Department.
• Serve as the organization’s primary SQF Practitioner, developing and maintaining an acceptable number of qualified backup-SQF Practitioners.
• Be well-versed in the company’s SQF Food Safety Plan.
• Ensure company compliance with all aspects of the SQF Food Safety Plan, including but not limited to:
• Advocating for the adoption of new quality policies and procedures within the FSQA team and Plant Leadership to ensure the highest quality products.
• Providing and regularly presenting microbiological results from in-house testing for raw materials and finished goods, ensuring compliance with company quality standards and federal regulations.
• Managing and implementing the environmental monitoring plan, including raw material testing for chemical composition and microbiological levels.
• Overseeing communication with third-party labs for pathogenic microbiological testing as necessary.
• Leading the team in achieving best-in-class audit certifications and exemplary reviews from customers and other VIP visits.
• Providing timely support of R&D, Sales, and Marketing initiatives or requests.
• Directly managing consumer incident responses.
• Managing Supplier/Vendor quality issues while maintaining good working relationships between the companies.
• Overseeing lab material inventory and monitoring new developments in the Food Safety Microbiology sector.
• Performing other duties as outlined in orientation or as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Food production environment with potential hazards, including slippery floors, extreme temperatures, and loud noises.
• High level of interaction with various departments, partners, and external entities, including third-party auditors and regulators.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a relevant natural science (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, Microbiology).
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Quality Assurance Manager within a food or beverage manufacturing environment.
• Must be PCQI certified; if over 5 years from initial certification, a refresher certificate no more than 5 years old is required. Certification(s) must be submitted with the application.
• Must be HACCP certified; if over 5 years from initial certification, a refresher certificate no more than 5 years old is required. Certification(s) must be submitted with the application.
• Must be highly knowledgeable in SQF (or any GFSI audit scheme). SQF Practitioner certification is a plus. If not certified, must be willing to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and managing laboratory programs.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with Red Zone is a plus.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching to support future financial goals.
• 100% coverage for the employee, spouse, and eligible dependents for medical, dental, and vision.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support with personal and work-related challenges.
• Generous vacation and sick time policies to promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the company.

Disclaimer:

ARM GROUP is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.

We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for applicants participating in all aspects of the selection process.

By applying for this job, you consent to allow representatives of ARM GROUP LLC to contact you regarding your candidacy. This may include communication via email, phone, text, or other means deemed appropriate by ARM GROUP LLC. Rest assured, your information will be handled confidentially and used solely for recruitment purposes.

It’s important to note that ARM Group LLC does not interfere in the decision-making process regarding your selection or rejection. The ultimate decision to hire or reject your candidacy lies solely with the client organization, with whom we have an agreement to source candidates for their consideration

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. All applicants must submit to background check and drug screening. Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Please be aware that this position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.