Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance at See's Candies

Work is Sweet!

'Quality without Compromise' is not just a motto at See's Candies. It is the most important ingredient in our recipe for success. See's Candies has been in business since 1921 and maintains a reputation for producing the highest quality candy and providing superior customer service.
See's is a leader in the confectionary industry with over 250 retail shops across the USA. We are seeking friendly, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about providing great customer service.

Job Description Summary:

The Director of FSQA will lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of Food Safety and Quality Assurance programs across all See's Candies production facilities. This role is crucial in ensuring that See's maintains its commitment to producing safe, high-quality confections.

The salary range for this position is: $138,000-$180,000 annually however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive food safety and quality assurance programs, ensuring compliance with all applicable federal and state food regulations

• Lead and mentor a team of FSQA professionals, including supervisors and inspectors

• Collaborate with production teams to integrate food safety and quality practices into manufacturing processes.

• Oversees risk assessments and implementation of preventive measures to maintain product safety and quality.

• Collaborates with Procurement and Research and Development, to develop raw material,  purchased candy and finished product specifications.

• Supervises Quality Managers and Regulatory Manager including lab activities, operations, and projects.  Monitors attainment of the department's short and long-term goals.

• Coordinates communication with all selling channels any holds that are identified in operations after product is shipped.  

• Oversee results of internal food safety audits and participates in external inspections.

• Establishes overall approval control of finished goods including size, weight, color, texture, shapes, taste, and microbial attributes.  Ensures adherence to shelf life guidelines in the storage, distribution, and sale of product.

• Oversee controls for adherence to product formulas including raw materials used and processing parameters achieved.

• Assists in an advisory and investigative capacity regarding customer complaints or product quality advisories from shops or production personnel as they pertain to quality; interacts with production, procurement, and raw material suppliers to identify and resolve potential problems.

• Supports the implementation of new methods, procedures and systems to improve quality and food safety while ensuring adherence to pre-requisite programs as well as food defense program. Responsible for leading Food Safety and Quality efforts with the designated SQF Practitioner.

• Manages and maintains relationships with contract manufacturers to ensure food safety, regulatory, and quality compliance alignment with See’s requirements.

• Partners with Engineering to ensure that new manufacturing equipment design and installations meet sanitary standards.

• Develops, monitors, and ensures adherence to department budgets and productivity, and control of capital expenditures.

• Leads the digitization efforts for the Quality department.

• The Director of Food Safety & QA is a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual and SQF Practitioner.

• In the absence of the VP of Food Safety & QA, the FSQA Director and R&D Director will assume responsibility for all See’s manufacturing and packing plants.

• Stay current with industry trends and regulatory changes in food safety and quality assurance

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field; advanced degree preferred

• Minimum 10 years of experience in food safety and quality assurance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role

• Thorough knowledge of HACCP, GFSI standards, and FDA regulations

• Strong leadership and team management skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

• Comprehensive benefits package

• Opportunity to work with a respected brand in the confectionery industry

• Professional development and growth opportunities

The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, in addition to a full range of generous medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

See's is an EOE
See’s will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable local, state or federal law (including San Francisco Ordinance #131192 and Los Angeles Municipal Code 189.00).