Director of Quality and Food Safety, PA

Our client is a family-owned producer & national distributor of Mediterranean & Italian food. They have three Monday through Friday plants in the Pittsburgh area, manufacturing bakery products and repackaging and mixing Italian antipasto, olive mixtures, cheeses, and other Italian specialty items. Their culture is to empower individuals who take ownership of their positions to grow. They seek a Director of Quality and Food Safety who will provide leadership and is accountable for the development/growth of overall Quality Systems (and training) to support all activities consistent with product development for multiple plants. Reporting to the owner, this role is directly responsible for Food Safety programs, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Compliance to ensure the continuous production of quality products consistent with established standards.

Specific Skills and Abilities

· Oversee all aspects of Food Safety, Quality, Regulatory Compliance and Formulation.

· Ensure compliance of product labeling and registrations (Organic, Non-GMO, etc.).

· Create, review, and approve product master formulas and manufacturing procedures, product standards and specifications, quality standards, packaging specifications, nutrition information and regulatory documentation.

· Create the company's quality strategy, encompassing total responsibility for Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Systems, Quality Control, Plant Sanitation, Regulatory Affairs, and manufacturing operations.

· Direct and manage areas of function regarding Quality Control, Quality Assurance and Sanitation ensuring adherence to all FDA-FSMA, GMP, HACCP and Code of Federal Regulations.

· Develop, manage, and promote continuous quality improvement activities for the company.

· Support the R&D initiatives working collaboratively with operations leadership in designing and implementing systems and processes that improve both product and process quality, and operating efficiency.

· Perform external audits of raw material manufacturers, packaging manufacturers, contract laboratories and other suppliers, as directed.

· Responsible for conducting and reviewing investigations relating to customer/consumer complaints and deviations.

· Responsible for responding to FDA audits, regulatory replies, customer audits and complaints.

· Responsible to assure the organizational, regulatory, and product quality training program meets all necessary requirements.

· Directs the inspection and testing activities to ensure continuous control over materials, facilities, processes, and products.

· Work cooperatively with all departments, (i.e., Sales, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Warehouse, Accounting, etc.) to approve and launch new products to the market.

· Oversee the maintenance of regulatory databases, archives, and document management system.

· Travel to various company locations as needed

Education/ Experience

Bachelor's Degree plus ten years' experience in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology or Food Science, or a technically related field.

· Experience with FDA, USDA, SQF, FSMA and Quality Systems rules and regulations, including planning and implementation.

· Minimum 10 years' experience in a Management Position.

· Minimum 10 years' experience in Food Manufacturing, implementing food safety and quality policies and procedures.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Company prefers local candidates

For more information, please contact Moira McGrath, 954 428-3888 or e-mail moira@foodscience.com