Director of Quality Assurance
Kearny, NJ, United States
Job Overview: The Director of QA will develop and direct food safety and quality assurance programs, inspection, and audit procedures to ensure compliance with corporate and regulatory requirements. This role will involve managing supplier approvals, product sourcing, plant sanitation, and regulatory interactions.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop, lead, and update FSQA programs including HACCP, Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures, Pest Control, Good Manufacturing Practices, and more.
Conduct periodic validation and reassessment of these programs.
Direct training programs for FSQA policies and procedures.
Direct recall and traceability programs, including conducting mock recalls.
Lead independent FSQA audit programs, including SQF audits.
Assist in product evaluations, plant visits, and supplier/customer communications.
Required Experience:
FSQA management experience with imported/private brands with a large number of SKUs.
FSQA management experience at a federal CFIA/FDA plant is acceptable in place of a degree.
FSQA management with additional R&D or production-operations experience.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Bachelor's degree in Food Science or Biological Science is preferred.
Master's degree or higher is preferred.
Skills and Abilities:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Proficiency in writing reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Strong presentation skills and the ability to respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public.
Strong mathematical skills, including the ability to compute rates, ratios, and percentages.
Problem-solving skills, with the ability to collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Proficiency in using personal computers, lab equipment, food preparation equipment, and office communication equipment.
Valid driver's license.
Experience as an SQF Practitioner or with equivalent GFSI schemes, and HACCP certification.
Schedule:
Full-Time, Monday to Friday, with weekend work as necessary during projects or go-live scenarios.
Travel:
Up to 50% travel required, overseeing multiple locations (IL; NJ;TX).
Benefits:
30% Bonus
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Disability insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance
Ascendo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.