Job Description:

Korn Ferry has recently partnered with a private-equity food manufacturer in West Tennessee seeking a Director of Technical Services to oversee quality assurance, food safety, product development and sanitation functions for a single-site production and distribution facility. This pivotal role involves managing activities and personnel dedicated to quality assurance, innovation, food safety and sanitation best practices according to FDA and HACCP regulations. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, you will collaborate closely with the sales team to address customer requests and drive new product initiatives. Role requires onsite presence Monday through Friday, weekends as seasonal business requires, no hybrid or remote workers.Role highlightsFunction as the primary technical authority on food safety and quality assurance, serving as the designated Food Safety Team Leader for the plant.Develop, document, and uphold food safety systems and quality assurance standards, evaluating their effectiveness regularly.Create and implement training programs for food safety and quality assurance, ensuring compliance across the organization.Collaborate with the Technical Services Manager to optimize inspection and testing processes.Lead the product development lifecycle from ideation to market launch, establishing specifications and standards for finished goods.Serve as the main point of contact for external audits and regulatory inquiries related to food safety.Engage with external vendors to maintain the quality of ingredients, packaging, and finished products. Seeking out new partnerships with contract testing laboratories for innovation and testing needs to ensure safe manufacturing and sound decision making.Facilitate communication with customers, vendors, and service providers regarding quality and food safety vestigate and resolve customer issues and complaints related to product quality.Represent company in food industry networking functions when appropriate.PREFERRED Experience & Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related technical field preferred.A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, including managerial or supervisory roles in quality assurance for a food manufacturer, perishable foods preferably, regulated by FSSC 22000 and HACCP.Proficiency in developing and documenting quality procedures and systems.Demonstrated experience leading or participating in external audits.Strong background in product development and commercialization to include pre-established relationships with third party testing laboratories for innovation, food science testing and customized solutions.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a knack for conveying critical information across the organization.Keen attention to detail and adept project management skills, coupled with analytical capabilities for root cause analysis and corrective action planning.Collaborative and energetic leadership style, willing to lead by example and foster a culture of accountability and urgency.HACCP, SQF, CQT, or CQA Certifications are a pensation & Benefits:Competitive base salary and comprehensive benefits package.Annual bonus plan and participation in stock incentive plans.Benefits package inclusive of medical coverage, STDLTD, life insurance, and 401k matching.Long term incentivesJoin us in shaping the future of food manufacturing while advancing your career in a dynamic and rewarding environment. Apply now to be part of our team!SE#510648075