Director of Quality Assurance (Food CPG)

Who We Are

We’re a food company using sustainable ingredients and thoughtful food science to replicate our favorite foods in ways that make them more affordable, less harmful, and really, truly just as delicious. We believe that in our best future, the best foods - the ones we love the most - will not just be earth-friendly, but also easy to afford and hard to resist.

We’ve taken some of your favorite foods – think peanut butter, coffee & chocolate – and recreated them using upcycled ingredients and innovative food science. From food allergies to climate change and unjust labor practices, the foods you love are in serious need of an upgrade. Our Nut-Free Spreads, Bean-Free Coffee & Cocoa-Free Chocolate are top 9 allergen-free, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, affordable and most importantly, utterly delicious.

Earlier this year, we were proud to announce our global B2B partnership with Cargill and our $52 million Series A+ raise, in a round co-led by Level One Fund and Horizons Ventures, bringing our total funding raised to over $94 million. This funding is earmarked for hiring additional headcount, meeting greater than anticipated consumer and commercial demand, funding expanded manufacturing facilities, and building out our foodservice channel. It is a great time to join us on our voyage!

How We Work

We’re a rapidly growing team who value diversity in all its forms. We love adding new perspectives and appreciate those who ask questions that help us challenge assumptions, explore new directions, bias towards action, and improve what we’ve already built. We are a group of like-minded difference makers. Curiosity drives our development. We have tenacity and a risk-taking mentality at every level of our organization to keep challenging normalcy. We believe it’s our responsibility to create an environment in which every person can bring their full, authentic selves to work. We push each other to be our best and make every stakeholder  proud. Read more about us by visiting our careers page, learn more about our recent news, and follow along on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Role Introduction 

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Quality Assurance to lead our quality assurance and food safety initiatives within our rapidly growing food manufacturing organization. The Director will be responsible for overseeing company-wide quality assurance, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and mentoring the QA team. This role is pivotal in maintaining the highest standards of product quality as we expand our operations. We are a rapidly growing startup seeking an individual who is eager to make an impact as we continue to scale our processes across the country. 

This is an exempt, supervisory position based at our Mason, OH facility location and will report directly to the VP of Operations. 

What you’ll do

The Director of Quality provides technical expertise and management skills to administer the corporate strategy for:  Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Preventive Controls for Human Foods and other Federal and State regulations that pertain to our facilities. Additionally, this person will act as a subject matter expert of Federal, State, and Local Regulatory, with potential to advise on international regulatory compliance with future markets. This position will also assist in standing-up the new Mason, Ohio facility to ensure that food safety and quality is built into the design from the ground up according to GFSI standards and GMP requirements. 

• Quality Assurance Oversight:
• Oversee the strategic development and implementation of Food Safety Fundamentals and Food Safety Plans, ensuring alignment with company-wide goals.
• Develop and implement QA policies, procedures, and programs to enhance product quality and safety.
• Additional responsibilities include managing the Quality department budget, hiring and development of Quality personnel, performing employee appraisals/competency evaluations and management of the quality organization across both facilities 
• Develop and oversee product recall procedures and lead crisis management efforts, ensuring swift and effective resolution of quality issues.
• Regulatory Compliance:
• Act as a subject matter expert and liaison to Federal, State and local public health authorities. Experience with market expansion and regulatory affairs outside of the US is a plus.
• Advise and collaborate with R&D leadership to establish high-level quality standards for new products and oversee strategic supplier and contract manufacturer partnerships.
• Provides expertise and guidance in interpreting USP and FDA regulations, agency guidelines and internal policies to assure compliance
• Prepare the organization for heightened regulatory and customer expectations by developing enhanced quality and food safety programs across the supply chain
• Advise stakeholders on best-in-class systems and tools to advance the organization’s QA strategy and processes.
• Team Leadership and Development:
• Lead, coach, and mentor the QA team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and uncompromising quality standards.
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance team capabilities in regulatory and quality assurance matters.
• Collaborate with production, R&D, sales, marketing, and Capital Projects teams to ensure quality standards are met.
• Continuous Improvement:
• Define expectations for developing and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to quality and safety.
• Ensure the integrity, execution, and sustainability of the SQF (or equivalent Food Safety/Food Quality Strategy) across the organization, leading continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience with quality management systems (QMS) and data analytics tools to monitor and improve quality processes.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer 
• Prolonged periods working on feet, and performing repetitive actions entail frequent bending and stooping.

What makes a great candidate 

• 7+ years of progressive experience in quality assurance within CPG or food manufacturing, preferably in mid-sized companies, with a 5+ years minimum experience in a managerial role.
• Experience with ready-to-eat products is required, specific confectionery experience is highly preferred 
• In-depth knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, and other relevant food safety standards.
• Experience with international regulations, particularly EU standards.
• Experience in advising in facility design of a new manufacturing facility according to GFSI standards and GMP requirements for hygienic zoning.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgetary responsibilities related to QA functions.
• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• A critical and evaluative mindset focused on continuous improvement.
• Effective at collaborating across multiple departments and with international teams.
• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
• A proactive and solution-oriented mindset with a relentless focus on quality and continuous improvement.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to effectively interface with various departments and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of working closely with departments like procurement, logistics, and customer service, etc. to ensure quality is maintained across the entire supply chain.

Compensation

United States-based roles only: The Annual salary for this role is between $128,000 and $192,000 plus immediate participation in our benefits program (health, dental, 401k and many others), utilization of our generous paid time off and, where applicable, participation in our incentive programs. All employees are owners of Voyage Foods and receive an equity grant as part of their total package. At Voyage Foods, we approach each individual's compensation with a promise of fair market value and internal equity commensurate with experience and specific skill set.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Plans 
• STD/LTD, Life and AD&D policies
• FSA, HRA, and Mental Health Program Benefits
• 401K Program
• 20 Floating Holidays + 9 Company Holidays
• Commuter Benefits
• Paid Family Leave Program
• Ongoing Team Events, including Weekly Friday Lunches

Voyage Foods is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Voyage Foods is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Alex Chancellor, SHRM-SCP at [email protected] or (510) 214-2691. 

Voyage Foods will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check.