Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance

Job Description

Job Description

Family owned and operated, Bake’n Joy Foods, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of top-quality bakery products that began over eighty years ago in 1941.

We manufacture a variety of products for professional bakers including frozen scoop batters, predeposited muffin, cornbread, loaf cakes and Boston Coffee Cakes, mixes as well as an expanding line of fully baked items such as coffee cakes, loaf cakes and more.

We remain committed to providing top quality products, service, and value to our customers.

STAFFING AGENCIES AND RECRUITING FIRMS - PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT BAKE'N JOY FOR THIS ROLE

Director of FSQA

Reports To :

VP R&D, Quality & Food Safety

JD Review Date :

September 2024

Job Summary / Objective : The Director of Quality & Food Safety (Q&FS) is a key member of the senior leadership team at Bake’n Joy.

This role holds full accountability for the development, implementation, and oversight of quality and food safety programs across two manufacturing facilities and co-packing partners.

The Director ensures compliance with food safety standards and regulatory requirements, drives a culture of food safety, and acts as the primary representative during audits and inspections.

This role also advises the Executive Team on improvements to uphold the highest quality and safety standards for our bakery products.

Essential Functions :

• Oversee and manage food safety and quality programs to ensure compliance with Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards, including Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification.
• Ensure all facilities are properly registered and licensed at federal and state levels.
• Maintain and update the HACCP Plan, including documentation and monthly verifications, to meet industry and customer requirements.
• Stay current with food safety regulations and implement necessary changes.
• Coordinate and maintain associate training on GMPs, allergen control, food safety, and food defense; update and manage training records.
• Maintain and update the Pest Control program, including coordination of fumigation.
• Develop and revise food safety and quality plans in line with industry standards and product line expansions.
• Maintain SQF databases and product / service registers.
• Review and update plant policies and procedures annually with the HACCP committee.
• Direct and lead the Q&FS team, setting goals for professional development and performance.
• Serve as the primary contact for customer complaints and manage the customer complaint log.
• Evaluate returned products and ensure timely disposition.
• Lead facility inspections, including third-party, GFSI, state, federal, and customer audits.
• Monitor plant production for quality and food safety, including yield, times, temperatures, cross-contamination risks, and allergen control.
• Maintain the Quality Assurance Manual, including raw material specifications and finished product testing procedures.
• Manage vendor files, including certifications and specifications.
• Ensure safety compliance for raw materials, including flash point analysis and storage requirements.
• Maintain and coordinate the recall program, including semi-annual traceability exercises and mock recalls.
• Review expiration dates and manage the Hold / Release program for timely product disposition.

Competencies :

• Expertise in food processing, preferably in the bakery industry.
• Proficient in food safety and quality management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced computer skills, including knowledge of laboratory tests and procedures.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

• Directly manages the Quality & Food Safety team.
• Sets and monitors goals for team members' professional and personal growth.

Work Environment :

Typically works in a manufacturing facility environment with varying noise levels and temperatures.

Physical Demands :

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Prolonged standing and walking.
• Ability to reach above head and bend or stoop.
• Ability to push / pull up to 100 lbs.
Position Type :
• Full-Time
• Full-Time

Work Hours :

Standard working hours with occasional extended hours and weekends as required.

Travel :

Minimal travel required, primarily within the company’s facilities.

Required Education & Experience :

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field.
• 5-10 years of experience in the food processing industry, with a focus on bakery products.
• Experience in managing food safety programs and compliance with GFSI standards.

Preferred Education & Experience :

• 3-5 years of leadership experience managing diverse teams.
• Experience managing a GFSI scheme.

Minimum Qualifications :

• Must be willing to work varying shifts and schedules.
• Successful completion of substance and physical screenings.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Bake’n Joy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.