Job Description
Job Title: VP of Quality & Food Safety
Location: Chicago, IL. Within 1 hour drive to/from Elmhurst.
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Job Type: Full-time
Company Overview We are a rapidly growing player in the natural private label food industry, dedicated to providing high-quality, organic, and sustainably sourced food products. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and ethical business practices sets us apart as a key player in the industry. As we continue to expand our product portfolio and market presence, we are seeking a dynamic VP of Quality & Food Safety to lead our global food safety and quality control efforts.
Position Overview This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of our products across over 100 international facilities, including a U.S. network of contract manufacturers, warehouses, and processing plants. The ideal candidate will have a hands-on approach, with extensive experience in managing global supply chains, particularly in higher risk profile countries. This role requires a visionary leader who can drive substantial improvements, build robust processes, and foster a company-wide culture of food safety.
Key Responsibilities - Global Leadership in Food Safety & Quality Control:
- Lead and oversee all food safety and quality control activities across the company’s operations.
- Ensure the continuous monitoring, improvement, and surveillance of all supply chains, from raw materials to finished products.
- Develop and implement comprehensive food safety strategies that align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
- Process Improvement & System Development:
- Drive the development and enhancement of food safety systems and processes, ensuring they are robust, scalable, and capable of mitigating risks across all operations.
- Implement and refine quality control processes to maintain the highest standards of product safety and integrity.
- Lead initiatives to standardize food safety protocols across all facilities, ensuring consistency and compliance worldwide.
- Supply Chain & Risk Management:
- Oversee the global supply chain, focusing on the safety and quality of commodities sourced from high-risk countries.
- Manage and mitigate risks associated with the sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution of food products, ensuring the safety of all ingredients and finished goods.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop contingency plans for potential food safety issues, ensuring rapid response and resolution.
- Cultural Leadership & Change Management:
- Lead change management initiatives to continuously improve food safety standards, processes, and practices across all levels of the organization.
- Mentor and develop a high-performing team of food safety professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Regulatory Compliance & Industry Standards:
- Ensure all facilities comply with local, national, and international food safety regulations and standards, including FDA, USDA, EFSA, and other relevant bodies.
- Serve as the company’s primary liaison with regulatory agencies, industry bodies, and external auditors on all matters related to food safety.
- Strategic Initiatives & Reporting:
- Work closely with the COO, CEO and other senior leaders to align food safety initiatives with overall business objectives.
- Provide regular reports to the executive team on the status of food safety programs, including key metrics, risk assessments, and improvement opportunities.
- Travel & On-Site Engagement:
- Travel extensively to various company facilities, supply chain partners, and high-risk regions to ensure direct oversight and engagement in food safety practices.
- Conduct regular on-site inspections and audits, providing hands-on leadership and support to local teams.
Qualifications - Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in food safety or quality management are preferred.
- Minimum of 13 years of experience in food safety, quality control, or related roles within the food industry, with at least 6 years in a leadership position.
- In-depth knowledge of global food safety regulations, HACCP principles, GFSI standards, and quality management systems.
- Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams, driving substantial organizational change, and fostering a culture of safety.
- Ability to develop and execute comprehensive food safety strategies that align with overall business goals.
- Solution-driven mindset with the ability to identify risks, propose actionable solutions, and implement changes effectively.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with professional proficiency in English and Spanish (oral and written).
Work Environment - Remote but candidates must be within 1 hour drive to/from Elmhurst, IL for occasional visits.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively, up to 50%, both domestically and internationally.
NSI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Local area, Remote job, Worldwide,