FSQ Compliance Lead - Day Shift

CJ Schwan's; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

CJ Schwan’s is seeking an FSQ Compliance Lead for the new Sioux Falls site to drive food safety, quality, and regulatory programs. You will serve as the technical resource, lead HACCP, and partner cross-functionally to ensure USDA/FDA compliance and audit readiness.

The role emphasizes overseeing laboratory operations, data analytics, and continuous improvement in food safety culture at a growing facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Food Safety, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline required.
• Master's Degree preferred.
• 5-7+ years of progressive experience in Food Safety, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Compliance, Laboratory Management, or Food Manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain compliance with all food safety, quality, regulatory, and customer requirements.
• Serve as the facility subject matter expert for food safety regulations, HACCP, Preventive Controls, and quality compliance programs.
• Monitor regulatory changes and industry trends, ensuring timely implementation of new requirements and best practices.
• Act as the primary facility contact during regulatory inspections, audits, and customer assessments.
• Support development, implementation, verification, and continuous improvement of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems.

Skills

HACCP knowledge

GFSI standards

Root cause analysis

Project management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food science or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

FSQ Compliance Lead – Day Shift

AtCJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands likeRed Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

Our brand-new, 360,000-square-foot Asian-style food manufacturing facility in Sioux Falls, SD, is taking shape — and we’re ramping up hiring for key roles. This is your chance to be part of something from the ground up. We’re building a strong, experienced team ready to bring this new site to life and shape its future together.

The FSQ (Food Safety & Quality) Compliance Lead is responsible for leading and maintaining food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance programs to ensure the production of safe, high-quality products that meet customer, company, and regulatory requirements. This role serves as a key technical resource and compliance leader, driving adherence to food safety standards, HACCP programs, regulatory requirements, audit readiness, laboratory oversight, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The FSQ Compliance Lead partners closely with Operations, Sanitation, Engineering, Research & Development, Supply Chain, and Corporate FSQ teams to ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, state, federal, customer, and company standards while advancing the facility's food safety culture and quality performance.

What You Will Do:

• Lead and maintain compliance with all food safety, quality, regulatory, and customer requirements.
• Serve as the facility subject matter expert for food safety regulations, HACCP, Preventive Controls, and quality compliance programs.
• Monitor regulatory changes and industry trends, ensuring timely implementation of new requirements and best practices.
• Act as the primary facility contact during regulatory inspections, audits, and customer assessments.
• Support development, implementation, verification, and continuous improvement of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems.
• Conduct food safety risk assessments for processes, ingredients, products, and operational changes.
• Assist in Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) program implementation, compliance, and audit readiness.
• Serve as the HACCP Program Lead for the facility, supporting HACCP plan development, reassessments, validations, and ongoing compliance.
• Develop and execute CCP validation studies and verification activities.
• Conduct HACCP and food safety training programs for plant employees and leadership teams.
• Support environmental monitoring programs and investigate food safety concerns through root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure food safety risks are effectively identified, evaluated, and mitigated.
• Oversee facility laboratory operations and ensure testing programs meet established food safety and quality requirements.
• Maintain microbiological testing methods, standards, and procedures to ensure regulatory and customer compliance.
• Review, interpret, and communicate microbiological and analytical testing results to plant leadership and corporate FSQ teams.
• Ensure raw materials, ingredients, in-process materials, and finished products meet established specifications.
• Lead sampling plans, testing studies, validations, and investigative projects while ensuring accurate documentation and reporting.
• Verify laboratory equipment, systems, and testing processes remain operational, calibrated, and compliant.
• Partner with Sanitation and Operations teams to verify and validate sanitation programs, procedures, and environmental controls.
• Monitor sanitation and microbiological performance trends and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Lead investigations into food safety, quality, and compliance deviations and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Utilize data analytics, trend analysis, and performance metrics to drive improvements in compliance, product quality, and operational effectiveness.
• Identify and lead projects that improve food safety systems, product consistency, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead, develop, and coach FSQ and laboratory personnel to ensure technical competency and high performance.
• Establish performance expectations and provide training and development opportunities to build team capability.
• Foster a culture of accountability, food safety ownership, compliance excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate effectively with plant leadership, corporate teams, and external stakeholders to achieve business and compliance objectives.
• Promote company values, ethical conduct, and professional standards throughout all activities.

What We Look For:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Food Safety, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline required.
• Master's Degree preferred.
• 5-7+ years of progressive experience in Food Safety, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Compliance, Laboratory Management, or Food Manufacturing.
• Experience supporting USDA and/or FDA-regulated manufacturing environments preferred.
• Previous experience leading audits, inspections, HACCP programs, and compliance initiatives strongly preferred.
• Leadership experience managing teams and cross-functional projects preferred.
• Strong understanding of food safety systems, HACCP, GFSI standards, Preventive Controls, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Working knowledge of microbiology, chemistry, laboratory operations, and sanitation verification programs.
• Ability to interpret scientific, technical, and analytical data to support business and compliance decisions.
• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced project management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing operations and food production processes.
• Strong statistical analysis and data interpretation capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and build collaborative relationships across multiple functions.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance food safety, quality, compliance, and operational performance.

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $60,000 to $99,000 annually with eligibility for a 10% annual incentive bonus; that is based on organizational performance. The pay range represents the numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography, etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

• Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [e-mail].