Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance

The Wonderful Company•Del Rey, CA

1d•$160,000 - $180,000

About The Position

Lead the end-to-end Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) strategy for Arils ready to eat product category, beverage portfolio and fresh ensuring robust governance, operational discipline, and continuous improvement at Del Rey & Buttonwillow facilities. Provide FSQA leadership to operations with focus on Arils domestic & Spring Arils program with emphasis on compliance, risk mitigation, continuous improvement and cost optimization.

Requirements

Previous experience with Global GAP, GFSI-BRC audits, HACCP/HARPC a must.
Ability to handle multiple complex projects and work under pressure in a high stress environment.
Exceptional self-starter independent leader who can follow through on action items and strong ability to get things done.
Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with personnel, customers, suppliers, and other business contacts
Collaboration with operations to provide strong customer service and ability to get things done through multiple organizational levels.
Ability to proactively identify challenges and develop solutions through implementation of continuous improvement principles.
High level of integrity and accountability with a positive “can do” mindset.
Time management and prioritization skills, ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, prioritize projects and set goals.
B.S degree in Microbiology, Food Science or related field a must, advanced degree preferred.
At least 10 years progressively responsible Food Safety/Quality Assurance experience in a large-scale food manufacturing company, with a specific emphasis in food safety, quality assurance and Sanitation.
Prior experience with fluid food processing and RTE refrigerated products required.

Responsibilities

Own FSQA program architecture: develop, maintain, and administrate SOPs, SSOPs, HACCP plans, validation/verification records, and document control in alignment with GFSI and regulatory expectations.
Steward of risk management: maintain and execute HACCP/HARPC, environmental monitoring, allergen control, foreign material prevention, and traceability/recall readiness.
Accountable for KPIs: yield impact from quality holds, claim rates, micro compliance (% pass), environmental positives rate, sanitation effectiveness score, audit closure cycle time, and FSQA cost-to-serve.
Tight change control: implement structured change management for new capital projects, process, equipment, formulation, labeling, and sanitation chemicals with documented risk assessments and sign‑offs.
Structured CAPA administration: ensure root‑cause rigor (5-Why/Fishbone), action effectiveness checks, and timely closure; maintain dashboards and executive reporting of trend analyses.
Embed FSQA into daily operations: partner with Plant Management, Production, Maintenance, and Sanitation to operationalize programs—turn standards into routines (pre‑op checks, process control limits, shift‑by‑shift verification).
Operational coaching: influence behaviors on the floor through presence, leadership, and targeted training; uplift ownership of quality and sanitation at line‑level.
Tiered accountability rhythms: lead weekly/monthly QA FMDS/KPI meetings (Tier 1–3) to review FSQA KPIs, environmental findings, customer complaints, and process capability; drive rapid response and escalation.
Process capability & loss prevention: collaborate with Ops to reduce variability, improve yields, and prevent defects (temperature control, dwell times, antimicrobial dosing, packaging integrity).
Team development: build a high‑performing FSQA and sanitation organization; define roles, succession, and training paths.
Culture of quality: foster a proactive, data‑driven, “go‑see” culture where operators own quality and sanitation outcomes.
Training program ownership: ensure competency‑based training for HACCP, GMPs, allergen control, sanitation, environmental monitoring, and recall procedures.
Develop and maintain the scientific documentation used to support the critical hazard decisions for HARPC risk assessment including extended runs and special production needs.
Assist in development of special department projects for shelf life enhancement and work in conjunction with R&D team on other pipeline projects.
Maintain active role on internal WOW teams and supporting other cross functional departments.

Benefits

Access to top-notch medical coverage comprehensive vision and dental plans, and a 401k with match eligibility to secure your financial future and including:
24/7 online physician consultations
virtual mental health resources
life coaching
engaging employee community groups
cash rewards for healthy habits and fitness reimbursements
library of on-demand fitness videos
Unlock your potential with clear paths for career progression and internal mobility across our diverse family of brands and business units.
Grow as a leader with our dedicated Learning and Organizational Development department, offering extensive resources like People Manager and leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses.
Connect with colleagues through our company-wide mentorship program to share goals, overcome challenges, and drive your career forward.
Participate in training that empowers all employees to learn and implement concepts that drive significant, positive change in the workplace.
Make a difference with Wonderful Giving, allowing you to allocate company-provided funds to up to three charities of your choice, and join Wonderful Neighbor to contribute to group service projects within our local communities.