Director of Quality

Aspen Enterprises LTD•Gonzales, TX

7d•$170,000 - $190,000

About The Position

The Director of Quality Control reports to the VP of Quality and is part of the Quality Leadership Team. The role provides strategic and operational leadership for Quality Control, Sanitation, and Laboratory functions across five U.S. Finlays Solutions manufacturing sites. The director ensures raw materials, in-process controls, finished goods, and hygiene and sanitation meet internal specifications, customer expectations, and regulatory and third-party standards. The position drives standardization, data integrity, continuous improvement, and operational efficiency across tea, coffee, botanical, and fruit-based beverage portfolios, with responsibility for people leadership and budget management. The position leads quality and food safety systems aligned with GFSI; oversees laboratory operations, analytical methods, and quality improvement; and supports product and process commissioning, supplier and co-manufacturer activities, regulatory compliance, and customer technical requirements. It also builds team capability and a strong Quality and Food Safety culture across sites. The role requires flexible hours as needed and approximately 30% travel to maintain site presence. The salary range is $170,000–$190,000. The total compensation package includes a choice of medical, vision, and dental plans, a quarterly incentive bonus, paid time off, parental leave, bereavement leave, and a 401(k) for eligible employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a science field.
At least 8 years of experience in Quality Management, including at least 4 years of multisite leadership.
Required certifications: SQF, HACCP Level 3, PCQI, and Lead Auditor.
Strong analytical, statistical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make fact-based decisions.
Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and manage teams, and communicate effectively with customers and internal partners.
Strong interpersonal, conflict-resolution, organizational, and multitasking abilities.
Commitment to customer service and continuous improvement.
Experience training and developing teams.
Willingness to work flexible hours as needed and travel approximately 30% to maintain site presence.
Ability to understand and speak about quality and food safety standards and the Finlays quality and food safety system.

Nice To Haves

Food Defense and Food Fraud certifications or qualifications.
Better Process Control School and/or strong microbiology and thermal processing knowledge.
Beverage processing experience, including extraction, blending, aseptic processing, and packaging.

Responsibilities

Implement, execute, and improve quality systems aligned with GFSI, including food safety, allergen, food defense, food fraud, and sanitation programs.
Maintain external certifications, including Organic, Fairtrade, RA, Kosher, and Halal, in collaboration with the Director of Quality Assurance.
Govern HACCP and site Food Safety Teams to ensure accurate risk assessments and effective controls.
Oversee documentation, nonconformance management, complaint handling, audits, incident management, validation and verification, and cost-of-nonconformance programs.
Ensure customer technical requirements are met and collaborate with Commercial on key customer relationships.
Support supplier management, co-packers and co-manufacturers, regulatory compliance, legal registers, and the Agrochemical/Contaminant policy.
Oversee laboratory operations to ensure reliable, repeatable analytical and sensory results guide raw material, process, and product decisions.
Implement and validate analytical methods, calibrations, ring testing, and equipment maintenance.
Use monitoring and measurement systems and visual management to support process control.
Manage QC budgets, laboratory capital expenditures, data storage and traceability, and laboratory throughput and utilization.
Introduce new analytical technologies and support Commercial, R&D, and Innovation.
Oversee at-source quality activities within operations.
Lead quality improvement projects with Operations using scientific, data-driven problem solving.
Support commissioning of new products and processes, ensuring quality, food safety, and compliance.
Drive transition to online and inline monitoring and support training and deployment of quality programs.
Build and lead a high-performing team with clear strategy, capability frameworks, coaching, and cross-site knowledge sharing.
Drive performance management, succession planning, and a Quality and Food Safety culture aligned with Finlays values.
Engage external industry experts to elevate team exposure and share best practices.
Set objectives and deliverables; conduct one-to-ones, performance reviews, and development plans.
Mentor and guide direct reports, provide stretch assignments, and ensure accountability.
Resolve conflicts effectively and strengthen collaboration with site Leadership teams.
Develop training programs that support compliance and a strong Quality and Food Safety culture.
Follow Good Manufacturing Practices, allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements.
Ensure visitors, contractors, and customers are documented when entering and leaving facilities.
Report food safety and quality issues to management immediately.
Partner across functions to share knowledge, skills, and information regarding quality and food safety.
Adhere to health and safety work practices and participate in continuous improvement programs.
Handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner.