Director of Food Safety and Quality

Position Summary:

The Director of Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) at Welch’s is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of all FSQ programs to ensure the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of our products. This role leads corporate FSQ initiatives, drives continuous improvement, and partners cross-functionally to embed a culture of food safety and quality across the business and supply chain. The Director will also manage the FSQ corporate team and play a critical role in shaping future policies, systems, and supplier partnerships.

Where You’ll Work:

This role will be based out of our Waltham, MA headquarters where you will be immersed in a dynamic workplace where innovation thrives and collaboration is key.

Our company in-office schedule is designed to maximize collaboration & relationship building balanced with flexibility and well-being with 3 days in office and Thursdays/Friday being remote, flex days.

What You’ll Do:

Food Safety & Quality Programs

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of FSQ policies and procedures to ensure product safety, quality, and compliance with all regulatory and customer standards.
• Support compliance with SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and related food safety certification and regulatory audit requirements.

Packaging & Ingredient Quality

• Own the Packaging and Ingredient Quality Programs, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, regulatory expectations, and internal quality targets.
• Lead resolution of ingredient or packaging-related issues, including root cause analysis and corrective action planning.
• Conduct on-site supplier audits and manage risk assessments, documentation, and supplier performance scorecards.

System & Process Oversight

• Oversee FSQ documentation systems, laboratory compliance, and integration of IT/enterprise systems that support quality management and traceability.
• Drive digital transformation and system improvements to enhance decision making with improved data and drive overall efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with R&D, Engineering, and Operations to align processes and requirements with ingredients, packaging, product, and processing specifications to support consistent execution.  
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for food safety and quality at manufacturing sites as needed to ensure the highest quality and safest food reaches our consumers and customers.
• Serve as a key advisor on FSQ risk assessments and design to ensure safe and high-quality product.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships across the organization to align FSQ priorities with business objectives.

Leadership & Strategy

• Coach and develop FSQ team members to strengthen organizational capability and foster a high-performance, quality-driven culture.

Who You Are:

• An experienced food safety & quality leader who can effectively work and influence in both a manufacturing plant and corporate environment
• A proactive collaborator who plans and executes projects, gaining alignment and support across functions to deliver against strategic goals and day to day issue management.
• A results-driven individual committed to delivering business impactful solutions.
• Strong practical risk assessment skills with an ability to work under pressure and make decisions in a timely manner.
• A strong team player who can work well in a dynamic environment and maintains a level of flexibility to support the broader team and deliver business results.
• A person who is passionate about delivering consistent, high quality products to our consumers and customers that are safe and fully comply with all regulations.
• Engages in healthy dialogue and makes decisions with Welch’s best interest in mind.
• Continuously changes the status quo and seeks ways to improve and develop.

What You’ll Need:

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that proves competence in role may be considered.

• 8 - 10 years combined experience in Corporate Food Safety or Quality Assurance, Plant Quality Assurance, and Plant Operations with demonstrated expertise managing food safety and quality initiatives in branded food products industry
• B.S. required and preferred in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry or Microbiology
• Working knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, statistical process control, GMPs, CIP, sanitary design, and total quality management principles or techniques
• Ability to travel 25% to 30% travel (project based, primarily domestic)

What You’ll Enjoy:

• Organization with a bold, clear purpose & vision for the future
• Inclusive Culture: Be a part of an inclusive workplace where you not only belong but also have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself
• Passionate Community: You are encouraged to have a voice, share your opinions, and have individual impact on the success of the business
• Hybrid work model: Flexible & collaborative work environment to maximize well-being & success
• Paid Time Off and Holidays: Enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge
• Paid Volunteer Time Off: 40 hours of paid volunteer time for all non-union employees
• Development & Advancement: Access to LinkedIn Learning as well as both formal and informal opportunities to develop and grow your career
• Compensation Package Consisting of Competitive Base Salary and Annual Incentive Plan (Bonus)
• 401K plan with Generous Company Match
• Flexible Benefits from your first day: Choose the benefits that meet your needs and preferences o
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Additional benefits available through Perks at Work
• Paid parental (and adoption) leave – Available after 6 months of employment

The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $185,000 to $195,000 annually for US-based employees. This range reflects the minimum and maximum for the position across all US locations, is based on a full-time work schedule, and is Welch’s good faith estimate as of the date of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for participation in a bonus plan.