Director Food Safety & Quality

Just Food Company is building a better food system through better products—and we’re looking for someone who can own food safety and quality from end to end. This role is ideal for a self-starter who’s passionate about doing the work and doing it right. You’ll be the point person for all things QA/QC across our internal operations and co-manufacturing partners, with the opportunity to both build and execute systems that scale.

This is a hands-on role in a lean team, suited for someone who thrives in ambiguity, can zoom in and out effortlessly, and knows when to roll up their sleeves and when to step back and see the big picture.

This role reports to the CTO with a dotted line to the COO, and will work cross-functionally with all groups and layers of the organization. 

Key Responsibilities

• Own and continuously improve the company's global Quality Management System (QMS) across internal manufacturing sites and co-manufacturing partners. 

• Provide quality and regulatory leadership for North American and European operations, including Germany and future potential expansion into additional European markets ensuring compliance with applicable customer, regulatory, and certification requirements.  This includes directly or indirectly managing remote quality functions & personnel where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable food safety and regulatory requirements, including FDA, FSVP, USDA, HACCP, SQF/BRC, export, and international regulations. 

• Lead internal, customer, certification, and regulatory audits, driving audit readiness, corrective actions, and continuous compliance across the organization. 

• Oversee raw material, in-process, and finished goods specifications, testing programs, and release standards. 

• Own product labeling, regulatory reviews, and documentation to ensure ongoing compliance across all markets. 

• Develop, maintain, and execute regulatory strategies and dossiers to support existing products, new product launches, and international market expansion. 

• Serve as the company's quality and regulatory subject matter expert, advising executive leadership on food safety risk, regulatory strategy, international expansion, and emerging industry requirements. 

• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Manufacturing, R&D, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to embed quality throughout the product lifecycle. 

• Build scalable quality systems and processes that support company growth, new manufacturing partners, and geographic expansion. 

• Drive a culture of food safety, quality excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization. 

• Travel to internal facilities and co-manufacturing partners to evaluate food safety and quality performance, verify compliance with company standards, and support operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of relevant food industry experience, including direct QA/QC ownership and at least 3 years in a leadership role; PCQI certified highly preferred

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in food science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in food safety or quality management are preferred

• Proven ability to thrive in lean, fast-paced environments—must be both a builder and a doer

• Deep understanding of food safety systems, allergen control, and GFSI certification standards

• Experience with plant-based food manufacturing a strong plus

• Strong working knowledge of food microbiology and product development cycles

• Comfortable working with co-manufacturers and navigating international regulatory landscapes

• Clear communicator, calm under pressure, and able to lead cross-functional workstreams

• Ability to join virtual meetings/calls that overlap with Europe Manufacturing hours (early Pacific hours) as needed

• Willingness and flexibility to travel both domestically and internationally without restrictions up to 25% (maximum). 

The total package

We develop our salaries using market data, internal benchmarks, and candidate experience to ensure fairness and competitiveness. All full-time team members receive:

• Competitive base salary

• Equity

• Up to 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision benefits (up to 90% for dependents)

• Flexible time off

Compensation: The expected base salary range for this role (based in Emeryville, CA/full-time) is $175,000 – $195,000 per year. Final compensation will be based on skills, experience, and overall contribution to the role.

Additional Information & Requirements

This is a full-time regular position based onsite (5 days/week) at our headquarters in Emeryville, CA. We are prioritizing local candidates at this time. 

At this time, Just Food Company is unable to sponsor or transfer employment visas. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. 

In compliance with federal law, all new hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Form I-9 upon hire.

Just Food Company and its subsidiaries participate in E-Verify.