Director of Quality - Lead, Innovate, and Elevate Food Safety & Quality at CandyCo Are you passionate about food safety, quality control, and team development? Join CandyCo, a leading name in the confectionery industry, as our Director of Quality. In this critical leadership role, you'll drive excellence in Food Safety and Quality programs, elevate the expertise of our quality team, and ensure the highest standards in manufacturing processes. If you have a proven track record in food manufacturing, a strong understanding of microbiology, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, we want you on our team. Key Responsibilities: Lead and Build High-Performance Teams: Develop and empower a team of Quality professionals, fostering growth, collaboration, and success.
Quality Control Across Multiple Locations: Oversee and manage Quality Control and Assurance programs across multiple facilities to ensure compliance with customer, company, and regulatory standards.
Inspection & Testing Leadership: Direct and ensure consistent inspection and testing activities to maintain control over materials, facilities, and products, ensuring the highest quality.
Standardization and Development: Create, standardize, and maintain Quality manuals, policies, procedures, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure continuous improvement.
Drive Process Improvements: Lead continuous improvement initiatives through the Quality and Sanitation teams, fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence.
Comprehensive Quality Control Systems: Manage and refine systems such as Self-Inspection, Supplier Management, Pest Control, Microbial Testing, and more to protect and elevate product quality.
Cross-Functional Leadership: Influence and collaborate with site leadership across multiple facilities to align on Quality strategies, objectives, and project plans.
Safety & Compliance: Conduct thorough pre-shipment reviews, CCP validation, and ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, and SSOPs to maintain high standards of food safety and quality.
Customer-Centric Approach: Investigate and resolve customer complaints, implementing corrective actions and continuously improving customer satisfaction.
Collaboration with Operations & Sanitation: Partner with the VP of Operations and Production/Sanitation Managers to ensure consistent and effective sanitation practices.
Vendor Relations: Work with suppliers to ensure quality materials, equipment, and products meet or exceed established standards. Ideal Candidate: Extensive Experience: 15+ years in a leadership role in food manufacturing, with a focus on Quality Management in the confectionery or food industry.
In-depth Knowledge: Expert understanding of food manufacturing processes, microbiology, raw material programs, and quality systems.
Leadership Excellence: Demonstrated ability to develop and lead teams, strengthen existing programs, and create new initiatives for continuous improvement.
Academic Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a related field (preferred).
Expert in Quality & Safety Systems: Strong understanding of Food Safety, Regulatory compliance, and application of quality systems within food processing.
Project Management Skills: Proven track record in managing and executing quality improvement projects, with a strategic focus on long-term business growth.
Technical Proficiency: Strong knowledge of quality control processes, HACCP, SSOPs, USDA, and FDA standards, as well as advanced Excel skills.
Strong Communicator: Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to interact at all levels.
Problem Solver: A strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving, using data-driven insights to develop innovative solutions. Working Conditions & Physical Requirements: Flexibility to work any shift, including overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Ability to stand/walk for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs unassisted.
Must adhere to safety protocols, including wearing PPE as necessary.
Requires physical agility: standing, walking, kneeling, reaching, and the ability to work in a facility environment for extended periods. Why CandyCo? Impactful Leadership Role: Drive the future of Quality and Safety within a dynamic, growing company.
Career Development: Lead and shape a high-performance team while enjoying ongoing professional development opportunities.
Make a Difference: Play a key role in ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety in the confectionery industry, impacting millions of customers worldwide.
If you're ready to lead a world-class team and make a tangible impact at CandyCo, apply today and help us create the future of confectionery excellence!