Director Quality Operations

Nexus Search; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading beverage manufacturer in Orlando is seeking a Director of Quality and Food Safety to enhance food safety culture and create a world-class sanitation program. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in food and beverage manufacturing with a strong focus on compliance, microbial control, and leadership. Responsibilities include regulatory inspections, HACCP plan development, and oversight of quality metrics. This full-time role offers significant impact in a high-growth environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in food or beverage manufacturing, preferably RTD and thermal processing.
• Proven track record with FDA inspections and GFSI programs.
• Experience with pasteurization tunnels and CIP systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain compliance with FDA and GFSI standards.
• Serve as the primary contact during regulatory inspections.
• Lead HACCP plan development and oversight.

Skills

Thermal processing

Microbial control

Regulatory compliance

Formulation development

Sanitation program design

Quality metrics monitoring

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Food Science

Microbiology or related field

Job description

A rapidly growing, multi‑site beverage manufacturer is seeking a hands‑on Director of Quality and Food Safety. This leader will elevate food safety culture, build a world‑class sanitation program, and drive innovation across a high‑growth, fast‑moving production environment.

We’re looking for someone equally comfortable in the lab, on the floor, and in front of auditors. The right candidate brings strong experience in thermal processing, microbial control, regulatory compliance, and formulation development.

Base pay range

$180,000.00/yr – $220,000.00/yr

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 111, 117, FSMA, and customer‑specific GFSI standards (FSSC 22000, SQF, etc.)
• Serve as the primary contact during regulatory inspections, third‑party audits, and customer audits
• Lead HACCP plan development, including hazard analysis, validation, and monitoring
• Oversee process authority relationships and pasteurization validation studies
• Ensure compliance with environmental monitoring, allergen controls, and hygienic equipment maintenance
• Approve and validate shelf‑life studies, microbial challenge tests, and stability testing

Sanitation Program Development

• Design and implement a comprehensive, multi‑site sanitation program
• Develop SSOPs, ATP/visual verification, and chemical control procedures
• Establish validated cleaning procedures and environmental monitoring frequencies
• Build the foundation for a future dedicated Sanitation Department, including key hires
• Partner with Maintenance to ensure CIP systems and equipment meet hygienic design standards

Quality Systems & Laboratory Oversight

• Strengthen and standardize quality programs across all facilities (document control, product release, CAPAs, deviations, traceability)
• Build, train, and mentor teams in microbiology, analytical testing, and sensory evaluation
• Develop and monitor quality metrics (complaints, holds, non‑conformances) and lead root cause analysis
• Oversee finished product and ingredient testing: TPC, yeast/mold, coliforms, pH, Brix, DO, sensory

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years in food or beverage manufacturing (RTD, thermal processing, nutraceuticals strongly preferred)
• Successful track record managing FDA inspections, customer audits, and GFSI programs
• Deep technical expertise in microbiology, sanitation, and preservative systems
• Hands‑on experience with pasteurization tunnels, CIP systems, and process validations
• Strong people leader with the ability to build and coach high‑performing teams

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Quality Assurance

Industries

Food and Beverage Manufacturing