Director, FSQA – Supplier

Accountabilities: Lead the onboarding, qualification, and ongoing compliance monitoring of new and existing suppliers against established food safety and quality standards. Build collaborative, mutually beneficial relationships with supplier partners, encouraging accountability, proactive problem-solving, and continuous improvement. Oversee the timely investigation and resolution of product safety and quality incidents, ensuring thorough root cause analysis and effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Verify supplier compliance with product claims and specifications, including grass-fed and grass-finished, non-GMO, organic, paleo, and gluten-free requirements. Develop and maintain supplier performance scorecards to monitor compliance, evaluate results, identify risks, and communicate improvement priorities. Lead the analysis of downstream product quality feedback, sensory results, and customer experience data to identify trends and prioritize corrective actions. Partner with digital transformation teams to develop dashboards and reporting tools that support data-driven decisions and improve visibility into quality performance. Establish and enhance policies, procedures, responsibility frameworks (RACI), and systems that strengthen supplier oversight and operational consistency. Oversee the maintenance and continuous improvement of the centralized supplier documentation repository, identifying documentation gaps and driving resolution with nonconforming suppliers. Ensure sensory evaluation programs are consistently implemented across internal operations and co-manufacturing partners. Collaborate across procurement, research and development, manufacturing, and customer experience to maintain FSQA standards and advance quality improvement initiatives. Lead, mentor, and develop FSQA team members, building technical capabilities, accountability, and alignment with organizational objectives. Travel as needed to current and prospective suppliers, third-party manufacturing facilities, repacking operations, and third-party logistics (3PL) sites. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related discipline. At least 10 years of experience in Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA). Experience with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) and FDA processing requirements; experience with raw beef and/or chicken is preferred. HACCP and/or Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) training. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing processes, policies, and procedures to support supplier compliance and quality assurance. Required experience in multi-site, corporate, or enterprise-level FSQA operations. Strong knowledge of FSIS, FDA, HACCP, Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards, traceability, product recalls, allergen management, environmental monitoring, and labeling requirements. Expertise in root cause analysis and the development, implementation, and verification of corrective and preventive action plans. At least 5 years of experience leading, managing, and developing salaried direct reports. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to analyze data and communicate findings effectively. Experience using TraceGains or similar software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms for supplier management and quality documentation. Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated success driving measurable improvements through influential leadership and lean manufacturing tools. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex quality requirements and build productive cross-functional relationships. Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills to address supplier issues and align stakeholders around corrective actions. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly when managing documentation, compliance requirements, and multiple priorities. Ability to take ownership of projects, respond quickly to emerging quality or safety issues, and develop scalable processes to support business growth. Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to supplier and third-party manufacturing locations, with travel expected to be up to 15%. Must reside in the United States and be authorized to work in the country without requiring employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Benefits Annual base salary: $170,000–$180,000, with individual offers determined by qualifications, experience, skills, and internal equity. Annual bonus: Target opportunity of 25% of base salary, subject to applicable program terms. Health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance. Retirement benefits: 401(k) plan with a 6% employer match. Wellness and home office support: Monthly reimbursements for wellness-related expenses and home office needs. Flexible time off: Unlimited paid time off and more than 15 paid holidays per year. Flexible work arrangements: Remote work flexibility, with a hybrid schedule and access to a Chicago office for team members in the area. Parental leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave. Team connection: In-person, company-wide team activities twice a year. Learning and development: A company-wide continuing education budget to support ongoing professional growth. Career advancement: Opportunities to grow professionally and take on greater responsibility based on performance. Meaningful impact: The opportunity to influence food safety, supplier quality, consumer trust, and continuous improvement within a rapidly growing business. Additional perk: Access to company products and an unlimited supply of meat snacks. Employment type: Full-time, exempt position. Application timeline: The original listing indicates applications are accepted beginning October 19, 2026, with a stated deadline of October 27, 2026. One section specifies October 26 at 5 p.m. Central Time, so candidates should confirm the final deadline with the hiring team.