Quality Performance Lead

Requirements

• QMS Governance & System Integrity
• Own and manage document control systems, including procedures, records, and version control
• Lead Change Control / Management of Change (MOC) program governance and execution
• Lead Management Review and Food Safety Team processes, including scheduling, KPI inputs, and action tracking
• Establish, maintain, and execute the site verification and validation master schedule
• Audit & Compliance Leadership
• Lead internal audit programs (SQF, GMP), including audit planning, execution, and follow-up
• Coordinate and support external audits (customer, certification, regulatory), ensuring readiness and effective execution
• Collaborate on audit responses, ensuring clear root cause, CAPA, and timely submission
• Manage certification programs (e.g., Organic, RSPO, Fair Trade, Kosher, etc.), including compliance and inventory/accounting requirements where applicable
• Provide updates and represent Quality in customer and certification forums as needed
• Risk Management & Food Safety Programs
• Maintain and continuously improve Food Safety Plan and Quality Plan, including hazard analyses and controls
• Lead Food Defense program implementation, assessments, and updates
• Support PCQI responsibilities, including verification activities
• Ensure robust traceability systems and conduct traceability exercises to verify effectiveness
• Issue Management & Continuous Improvement
• Own and oversee the CAPA program, including quality of root cause analysis, effectiveness verification, and closure discipline
• Track, trend, and analyze deviations, non-conformances, complaints, and CAPAs to drive systemic improvements
• Audit third-party warehouses and external storage locations as needed
• Commercialization & Product Compliance
• Participate in commercialization and production readiness processes to ensure quality and compliance requirements are met
• Review and approve product specifications, labeling, and certification claims
• Support customer questionnaires, technical documentation, and regulatory inquiries
• Review and approve system workflows (e.g., Optiva), ensuring alignment with quality and food safety requirements
• Est up systematic product inspection plans (align SFDC, Optiva PLM and M3)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field
• 3–7 years of experience in Quality, Food Safety, or related function within food manufacturing
• Experience with SQF or equivalent GFSI scheme required; PCQI certification preferred
• Strong working knowledge of food safety systems, regulatory requirements (FSMA), and certification standards
• Demonstrated experience with QMS ownership, audit leadership, and CAPA systems
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement
• Effective cross-functional collaboration and influencing skills
• Strong communication skills, with ability to interface with customers, auditors, and leadership
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Proficiency in quality systems and tools (e.g., Intelex, Optiva, ERP systems)
• Ability to interpret technical, regulatory, and scientific information
• Capable of presenting information clearly to stakeholders at multiple levels
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment