Senior Director, FSQ Regulatory Compliance

Schwan's Company • Hopkins, MN

5h • $155,000 - $255,000 • Onsite

About The Position

CJ Schwan’s is seeking an enterprise leader to guide food safety and quality regulatory strategy, scientific standards, and regulatory risk management across USDA- and FDA-regulated operations. The role advises senior leaders on complex regulatory matters, emerging risks, and significant compliance decisions, while establishing consistent, science-based food safety standards. The position is based in Hopkins, Minnesota, with travel as business needs require.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field.
• 12+ years of progressive food safety, quality, and regulatory experience, including significant enterprise or multi-site leadership.
• Deep expertise in USDA/FSIS and FDA regulations, regulatory engagement, HACCP, food microbiology, and preventive food safety controls.
• Experience establishing technical standards and translating complex regulatory requirements into practical business strategies.
• Strong experience with scientific validation, risk assessment, incident response, and regulatory interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to influence executives and lead complex, cross-functional decision making.
• Strong communication, judgment, leadership, and organizational skills, with the ability to anticipate and respond to emerging regulatory risks.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise regulatory compliance strategy across USDA/FSIS- and FDA-regulated operations, turning changing requirements and enforcement trends into practical standards and proactive risk-reduction strategies.
• Advise executive leadership on complex regulatory issues, food safety risks, and significant compliance decisions.
• Lead regulatory strategy for significant food safety incidents, recalls, and market actions, including engagement with USDA/FSIS, FDA, and other regulatory authorities.
• Establish science-based food safety standards covering HACCP, food microbiology, RTE/NRTE controls, shelf life, and cooking/heating validation.
• Provide regulatory and scientific guidance for new products, labels and claims, processes, and facility changes, including scientific studies and technical validations.
• Partner with FSQ, Operations, R&D, and other functions to strengthen regulatory compliance, build technical capability, and promote consistent food safety practices.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits
• Time off programs
• Retirement and financial offerings
• Eligibility for a 35% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior