Job Information
FFP Vice President of Quality in Lake Mary, Florida
Job Summary: The Vice President of Quality is responsible for overseeing and enhancing our multi-site quality programs, ensuring adherence to the highest industry standards and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in QA/QC, process development, and regulatory compliance, particularly within the food, beverage, flavor, or nutritional sectors.
Key Responsibilities and Required Qualifications:
Strategic Leadership:
Lead and manage multi-site quality programs, including QA, QC, and support process development.
Foster a culture of quality partnership across the organization, developing and mentoring a high-performing quality team.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on education, food safety, and right-first-time principles.
Provide strategic leadership and guidance on quality and compliance matters to the executive team, contributing to the overall strategic direction of the company.
Regulatory Compliance:
Ensure full compliance with FDA requirements for food safety, labeling, flavors, and dietary supplements.
Maintain USDA and organic certifications.
Oversee the implementation and maintenance of SQF & BRC (GFSI), HACCP programs.
Ensure adherence to RFA & FT standards.
Manage relationships with regulatory bodies and industry associations, staying ahead of changes in legislation and standards that could impact the company’s products or processes.
Laboratory Management:
Oversee laboratory operations, including LIMS, HPLC, GC MS, wet chemistry tests, and product sample management.
Coordinate with external laboratories for pathogen testing, nutritional analysis, and environmental labs for water quality.
ERP Implementation:
- Lead ERP implementation projects to optimize quality and compliance processes organization wide.
Product Commercialization:
- Accelerate speed-to-market initiatives through effective material evaluation, supplier validation, product design, and specification generation and validation.
Audits and Compliance:
Conduct and oversee internal, supplier, customer, and regulatory audits (FDA, Organic, SQF & BRC).
Manage and resolve product recall activities efficiently and effectively.
Oversee the management of audits, both internal and external, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and identifying opportunities for process improvement.
Continuous Improvement and Problem Solving:
Lead complaint resolution processes (CAPA) and perform root cause analysis.
Implement cost-saving initiatives and drive continuous quality improvements through data analysis.
Establish and maintain a strong culture of quality and continuous improvement, including the adoption of best practices and innovative quality assurance technologies.
Collaborate with R&D, production, and supply chain teams to integrate quality and compliance considerations into product development and manufacturing processes.
Lead the response to quality or compliance issues, including product recalls, regulatory actions, and customer complaints, ensuring timely and transparent communication with all stakeholders.
Skills and Attributes:
Strong customer and people orientation with exceptional leadership qualities.
Extroverted, adaptable, and goal-oriented.
Robust technical background with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
Superior problem-solving and data analysis capabilities.
Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to inspire and lead teams towards excellence.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization and external partners.
Strategic thinker with the ability to balance regulatory compliance with business objectives.
Acute attention to detail and high level of organization and accuracy.
Proficient with Microsoft Office.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Biology, Food Science, Engineering, or a related field is required. Master’s degree in an associated field or an MBA is preferred.
Minimum of 10-15 years in a senior leadership position within the food, beverage, flavor, or nutritional industry.
Proven experience in managing multi-plant operations and corporate quality roles.
Extensive experience in customer interaction and managing product recalls.
Proven track record of implementing and managing a QMS in a manufacturing environment.
Required Certifications:
SQF Practitioner
PCQI
HACCP
Halal, Rainforest Alliance, and Fairtrade preferred.
Benefits:
Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement savings plan with company match.
Opportunities for professional development.
Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements.
Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Insurance effective on the first of the month following start date
Health and Wellness Incentives
Generous PTO
9 Paid Company Holidays
5 Personal Days
401(k)
Health Savings Account (H.S.A.)
Long-Term and Short-Term Disability
Life Insurance
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)