Position Description
Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods® was founded in 1994 with the mission to create nutritious and convenient frozen food that tasted so delicious, it would make it easier to help people adopt better eating habits. While the world has changed since the business started, Dr. Praeger’s remains true to its founders’ vision. We’re grounded in using real, recognizable ingredients to make great-tasting products that families love.
We are passionate about food and fueled by our desire to make healthier living more delicious. Our mission is pioneering to increase veggie consumption by making it easy to choose crave-able, veggie-forward food.
The Sr./Director of Quality Assurance & Regulatory is responsible for the leadership and oversight of the quality and regulatory functions. This role is critical in ensuring that our products meet the highest safety, quality, and compliance standards while driving continuous improvement initiatives to deliver against company goals.
Role And Responsibilities
Quality Assurance Leadership & Strategy:
Provide strategic leadership in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of food safety and quality assurance programs (HACCP, GMPs, SOPs).
Establish clear objectives, goals, and performance metrics to drive excellence in food safety and quality assurance practices.
Collaborate with executive leadership to integrate food safety and quality assurance initiatives into overall business strategies.
Monitor key performance indicators and conduct regular audits and inspections to assess compliance and identify areas for improvement.
Provide leadership and mentorship to team members, fostering their professional growth and development.
Regulatory Compliance
Stay abreast of relevant regulations and industry standards related to food safety, quality, and sanitation.
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and maintain necessary certifications and accreditations.
Liaison with regulatory agencies and oversee inspections and audits.
Risk Management
Identify potential risks to food safety and quality and develop proactive strategies to mitigate these risks.
Conduct risk assessments and implement appropriate control measures to prevent food safety incidents and quality deviations.
Ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented as necessary.
Cross-functional Collaboration
Foster strong partnerships with cross-functional teams to drive a culture of quality and food safety.
Provide guidance and support to internal stakeholders on food safety and quality-related matters, promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Qualifications For Skills & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in food safety, regulatory and quality assurance leadership roles within the food manufacturing industry.
Strong knowledge of food safety regulations (FDA, USDA, etc.) and industry standards (GFSI, SQF, BRC, etc.).
Classically trained, knows what good looks like, but thrives in an entrepreneurial, small company environment.
Proven track record of developing and implementing successful food safety and quality assurance programs.
Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
Strategic thinker with a focus on innovation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
Professional certifications such as Certified Food Scientist (CFS), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or Certified HACCP Auditor (CHA) are highly desirable.
Advanced computer software proficiency (word, excel, outlook, PowerPoint).
Strong analytical skills and making information-based recommendations.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Self-starter who takes the initiative.
Strong results orientation required.
Proficient at establishing relationships with cross-functional peers.
Strong attention to detail.
Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics or other characteristics protected by law.
