Job Title : Vice President of Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA)
Reports To : VP of Technical Services
Position Summary
The VP of FSQA leads food safety, quality, and compliance initiatives across multiple facilities. This role develops and implements strategic programs, fosters a strong food safety culture, ensures regulatory compliance (USDA and customer standards), and provides leadership to the FSQA team.
Qualifications
Education & Experience :
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Animal Science, or related field, or equivalent experience
- 10+ years of industry experience (5+ years in a supervisory role required)
- USDA product experience required; lab experience preferred
- 5+ years fresh pork
- Certifications preferred : HACCP, GFSI, PCQI
- Bilingual ability preferred
Skills :
Strong written and verbal communication across all organizational levelsProblem-solving and critical thinkingProficiency in quality data systems and compliance platformsSolid understanding of food safety regulations and statistical quality controlComputer & Math Skills :
Intermediate computer proficiencyAbility to analyze data, perform calculations, and interpret graphs / statisticsLanguage :
Fluent in the language of the primary cultural groupAbility to interpret technical documents and write business correspondenceKey Responsibilities
Lead and oversee all FSQA, sanitation, animal welfare, and lab activitiesDevelop, implement, and manage food safety and quality programsPromote food safety culture across departments and facilitiesRespond to USDA, customer, and external compliance concernsGuide the FSQA team in achieving operational excellenceHandle customer complaints and follow-up protocolsConduct internal audits and ensure regulatory complianceProvide FSQA responses for external communicationSupport continuous improvement initiativesConduct and report on meat quality testingTravel up to 25%Other duties as assignedSupervisory Duties
Hire, train, and mentor FSQA staffManage schedules and workloadsLead succession planning and identify emerging leadersEnsure team compliance with all regulations and policiesPhysical & Work Environment
Requires regular sitting, standing, bending, typing, and lifting up to 25 lbs.Work may involve exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, and airborne particlesModerate noise and frequent interruptions expected