Our firm has been retained to recruit the Director of Quality Services for a Southeastern-based, private equity backed food manufacturer.  Our client’s market leading products are distributed through retail, institutional, food service, and vending channels in the U.S.

Reporting to the Company’s CEO, the Director of Quality Services will develop and manage robust quality systems to substantially enhance product and process quality.  This person will be actively involved in all facets of product development, quality system development and monitoring, food product safety, interface with regulatory agencies, and vendor management.  Paramount to the success of this position is revamping both the structure and the mindset of the organization regarding quality and quality/process management. Key qualifications include:

Key qualifications include:

•   a minimum of 10 years in manufacturing in the food industry, preferably in baked products; a minimum of five years of experience in quality systems and process improvement;

•   implementation of statistics-based problem-solving systems; formal quality and process training, such as Six Sigma;

•   the ability to be a hands-on, lead-by-example leader; will have the bent for taking responsibility, moving ahead and encouraging others; must have the self-confidence, integrity, intellect, and perseverance that inspires trust and confidence; 

•   excellent communications and interpersonal skills; must be a culture and team builder who will be effective in building strong partnerships and credibility at all levels of the company;

•   strong organizational/administrative skills; will be a hands-on manager, someone who is not afraid to get into the detail; a person who enjoys a small company atmosphere; will have a spirit of pitching in to get the job done; will be comfortable in an environment with lean staffing;

•   B.S. or B.A. degree, preferably in Food Science; an M.S. in Food Science would be ideal.

An attractive compensation package, including base salary, bonus, and an equity participation piece, will be tailored to the successful candidate’s requirements.

If you have a personal interest in this position or thoughts of knowledgeable sources or potential candidates, please email resume2@sockwell.com .  Your recommendations and/or interest will be kept in strictest confidence.

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