Job Description

We have an exciting new opportunity for a Manager, Support Services- Food Safety Quality Regulatory. This role provides leadership and support services for the Research and Development (R&D) Team, with responsibilities spanning nutrition, product quality auditing, project management, and oversight of the R&D test kitchen. The position focuses on driving efficiency through standardized processes, project management and reporting.

Additionally, this role ensures regulatory compliance and transparency related to nutrition, allergens, and ingredient disclosures. It also manages daily test kitchen operations including technology support, equipment maintenance, cleanliness, and resource coordination to meet the needs of product developers and quality assurance staff.

Key Accountabilities include:

Project Management

• Lead R&D project management partnering with cross functional teammates, driving timelines and ensuring progress is effectively communicated through regular reporting
• Develop and own process management documentation and training Including but not limited to regulatory compliance, supplier and distributor expectations, workflows, and incident response
• Lead Data-Driven Improvements: Analyze feedback, quality metrics, project data, product testing data and trends to identify issues and areas of opportunity and drive continuous improvement projects

Nutrition

• Oversee nutrition and regulatory policies
• Support and guide inquires from nutritionist related to: nutrition claims, compliance policies, transparency and nutrition testing

Product Quality Auditing

• Oversee the implementation of scheduled product sampling
• Support product sampling to product specification
• Monitor data and report on non-conforming results and required enhancements
• Provides critical thought and input to improve DQ quality assurance programs

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead reporting on R&D team performance and projects and supplier/distributor performance
• Develops strategies and team & department goals that align with department mission and business goals
• Provides routine coaching and direction to team members to help ensure department and company goals are prioritized and met
• Identifies and implements strategies to generate team member satisfaction and productivity
• Elevates team or project issues to department and company leadership as appropriate
• Provides input to and helps manage department budget

Test Kitchen Management

• Oversee lab coordinator who is responsible for day-to-day operations of test kitchen
• Ensure coordinator keeps R&D test kitchens clean, well-organized, and stocked including cleanliness of dishes, utensils, equipment, and lab in general
• Oversee management and placement weekly food and Novelty orders and purchase supplies for labs as needed

The US national base salary range for this position is $105,561, - $129,313. This position is also eligible for a bonus. The base salary range displayed reflects the targeted hiring range for positions across all US locations. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, work location and relevant education or experience.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in a related field with a minimum of three years of relevant experience
• Project management experience; able to initiate, develop and execute projects
• Should have minimum of three years of experience managing employees.
• Proficient on Microsoft programs; Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint with a strong understanding of personal computers and comfortable learning new software programs
• Must be able to work independently and make decisions; however must also be able to work collaboratively with others and be strong team player

Skills:

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate in writing, communications to a wide variety of audiences
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to both internal and external clients
• Ideally has experience working within a franchisor organization, preferably a QSR brand.
• Ability to travel 20% of the time.
• Position requires ability and availability to work in the office as duties require

Additional Information

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families. Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more! To learn more about our great benefit offerings, Click Here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 2 collaboration days a week. Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs. Positions will be identified as “remote eligible” when consideration will be given to candidates outside of drivable distance to our Bloomington office.

Inclusion & Belonging

We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging for all who touch DQ. We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work, and where we recruit, engage, and retain employees, franchise owners, and suppliers based on qualifications and merit. We strive to maintain an environment where everyone feels welcome.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new team members. You must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.