Director of Quality

Join a fast growing candy company that is shaking up the confection industry. Utilize your expertise in quality and your focus on high standards to ensure customers are delighted every time they enjoy a JOYRIDE product.
JOYRIDE

Join our vibrant and rapidly growing emerging candy brand, poised to revolutionize the confectionery industry. We are committed to crafting high-quality, innovative, and irresistible treats that delight consumers of all ages. JOYRIDE is a fast-growing, best-selling brand that is transforming the candy experience by offering delicious, flavorful products made with real ingredients (no junk), no artificial additives, a commitment to good-for-you fiber, and less sugar than leading brands.
What You Will Do

As the Director of Quality, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our candy products delight customers while meeting the highest quality and safety standards. The Director of Quality will oversee and maintain standards of quality across contract manufacturing facilities producing our candy products. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and supplier management within the food manufacturing sector. This role demands exceptional leadership skills to build and maintain partnerships with contract manufacturers, making certain product quality aligns with company standards and regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities:

• Expand upon and maintain quality assurance programs to ensure products meet or exceed regulatory and company standards.
• Collaborate with contract manufacturers to establish consistent quality practices and resolve quality issues.
• Conduct audits and inspections at contract manufacturing facilities to verify compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Provide training and guidance to contract manufacturers on company-specific quality expectations and requirements.
• Ensure all products comply with applicable FDA, USDA, and international food safety standards.
• Responsible for third-party certifications (i.e. non-GMO) and maintaining documentation and compliance.
• Lead the preparation for and execution of third-party audits and regulatory inspections.
• Work closely with the Commercialization Manager on new product launches.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to support new product launches and ongoing production.
• Evaluate and qualify raw material and packaging suppliers to maintain a robust supply chain.
• Monitor supplier performance and work collaboratively to improve processes as needed.
• Oversee product testing protocols, including sensory evaluations, shelf-life studies, and microbiological analysis.
• Approve product releases based on quality test results and documentation.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance product quality and reduce defects.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues and customer complaints.
• Build and mentor a high-performing quality team, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.

Who You Are

You leverage your training and experience within food safety and quality to ensure products maintain high standards and consistency. You have an eye for detail and great knowledge for quality within food manufacturing, particularly with candy or confection. You have the ability to motivate and lead teams and also effectively partner with external partners to achieve company expectations around product quality.
Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in quality assurance or quality control in the food manufacturing industry, preferably with candy or confectionery products.
• Experience managing quality at contract manufacturing facilities required.
• Strong working knowledge of HACCP, GMP, FSMA, and other relevant food safety regulations.
• Experience with certifications such as SQF, BRC, or FSSC 22000.
• Familiarity with confectionery manufacturing processes strongly preferred.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to build effective partnerships with contract manufacturers and internal stakeholders.
• Proficiency in quality management software and data analysis tools.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time to contract manufacturing facilities to conduct audits, provide training, and monitor quality practices.

Benefits
Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
Comprehensive benefits package including health and vision insurance
Stock Options
Flexible work environment
Opportunities for professional development and career growth