Director of Product Standards & Quality Assurance

Location: St. Louis, MO - Onsite
Reports to: Vice President of Quality & Safety
Direct Reports: Quality Assurance Leader, Document Control Leader, Quality Technical Leader

Job Overview:
The Director of Product Standards & Quality Assurance is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of product quality and food safety, while meeting customer expectations and regulatory requirements. This role will oversee quality assurance processes, laboratory testing, and provide technical support for Research & Development (R&D) initiatives. The Director will also lead and mentor a team of quality professionals, driving a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Quality and Food Safety

• Lead the implementation and management of HACCP, SQF, GMP, and other food safety and quality programs within the plant.
• Conduct audits and review documentation to ensure procedural and process compliance.
• Ensure adherence to FDA and USDA regulatory requirements.
• Oversee risk management efforts related to product quality, ensuring consistent high standards across all operations.

Customer Requirements and Satisfaction

• Ensure customer specifications and documentation requirements are met and maintained.
• Manage and resolve customer complaints by implementing corrective actions and quality improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with customer expectations.

Laboratory Equipment and Testing

• Develop and implement testing protocols to ensure product quality and consistency.
• Validate and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring accurate and reliable testing outcomes.
• Create and maintain detailed work instructions for laboratory processes and equipment, and provide training to the quality team.

R&D Support and Technical Services

• Oversee sample testing to ensure compliance with internal and external quality standards.
• Collaborate with R&D teams, utilizing Flavor Studio to verify product formulas and specifications.
• Lead shelf-life testing and ensure compliance with product quality measures.
• Act as the liaison between the RD2 pilot plant and the SD1 production plant, ensuring smooth coordination and communication.

Leadership and Team Development

• Supervise and mentor the Quality Culture Leader, Document Control Leader, and Quality Technical Leader, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance reviews, develop growth plans, and provide ongoing training and development for the quality leadership team.
• Participate in cross-functional project teams to address and resolve product or process issues alongside Product & Process Refinement, Operations, and Maintenance departments.
• Provide leadership coverage in the absence of the VP of Quality, ensuring continuity of operations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support the broader Food Safety and Quality team in driving company-wide quality initiatives.
• Demonstrate and promote adherence to Deli Star's core values in all aspects of the role.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred, or a minimum of 5+ years of experience in a Quality Manager role.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and Google Suite.
• Previous experience in the manufacturing industry with SQF certification is highly desirable.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HACCP, USDA, FDA, and GFSI guidelines as they relate to food processing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage quality systems and processes in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Experience with Redzone or similar production/quality software is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting/Standing: Involves sitting at a desk using a computer, walking regularly in the plant in temperatures between 33-50, standing for meetings occasionally.
• Lifting/Carrying: Minimal lifting required, up to 50 pounds.
• Visual/Auditory Requirements: Requires the ability to read documents, use a computer, and communicate effectively with others.
• Travel: Some travel may be required for training, conferences, and between office locations.