Director of Food Safety and Quality Systems (Protein) - Golden State Food Corporation : Job Details
Director of Food Safety and Quality Systems (Protein)
Golden State Food CorporationJob Location : Opelika,AL, USA
ABOUT GOLDEN STATE FOODS
Golden State Foods is a leader in the foodservice industry, providing a wide range of products and services to diverse clients. We value quality, service, and integrity, fostering an inclusive environment where employees can grow, innovate, and contribute to our success.
About the JobJob Summary: This role provides leadership and support to ensure the facility complies with all food safety laws, regulations, customer standards, and GSF policies. The position involves maintaining and improving the Quality and Food Safety systems, including developing new systems in response to changing business needs, regulations, and customer requirements.
ResponsibilitiesWhat You'll Do
Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of quality, food safety, and regulatory programs to ensure compliance with customer, governmental (e.g., USDA), and GSF policies. Manage the development and maintenance of Food Safety and Quality systems. (20%)
Provide leadership to the Quality Systems Team, oversee recruitment, training, performance evaluations, and foster a motivated team aligned with organizational goals. Manage third-party sanitation contractors and serve as the main contact. (20%)
Collaborate with facility functions to adopt continuous improvement methodologies that enhance quality and compliance. (15%)
Guide the QS team in root cause analysis and CAPA processes related to customer concerns and non-conformances to prevent reoccurrences. (10%)
Participate in audits (internal, customer, third-party), ensure the facility is audit-ready, and adhere to sanitation standards. Keep updated on USDA guidelines and industry best practices. (10%)
Engage with customers to understand their needs and translate feedback into operational improvements. (5%)
Work with suppliers to ensure raw material quality, conduct supplier audits as needed. (5%)
Serve as a technical liaison to Operations and Sales departments. (5%)
Coordinate with Engineering, Operations, and Maintenance to document process changes that do not compromise process stability. (5%)
Communicate quality and food safety information clearly and timely, analyze data, and prepare reports for leadership, USDA, and customers. (5%)
Perform other related duties as assigned.
What You'll Need
Minimum Qualifications: Education and experience equivalent to:
Education/Certification: BS in Engineering, Food Science, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, or related field from an accredited college or university (Master's preferred).
Experience: 10+ years in food manufacturing or related field, with at least 5 years in a USDA-regulated facility.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of food formulation, design, regulatory agencies, GMPs, food safety programs, and regulations (Expert level preferred).
- Understanding of packaging, sanitation, and industry best practices.
- Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
- Ability to travel as needed.