Quality Control Program Manager

Dean Foods; Juneau (AK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Dean Foods is seeking a seasoned FSQ professional to lead and sustain Food Safety and Quality programs across manufacturing plants. You will oversee QMS tools, drive continuous improvement, and foster a strong food safety culture aligned with divisional goals.

The role requires 8+ years of FSQ experience in the food/beverage sector, familiarity with CFR 21 Part 117, and certification credentials such as PCQI. Travel 50–75% is expected.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in biological sciences, chemistry, food science, or related curriculum
• 8+ years FSQ experience in food/beverage industry, preferably dairy or retort LACF
• Experience with QMS IT platforms (e.g., SAP, Alchemy, SharePoint)
• Familiarity with GFSI certification standards (BRC, FSSC, SQF, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Ensure alignment with Divisional and DFA Corporate FSQR governance; partner with stakeholders to improve programs
• Identify key issue trends and monitor CAPAs with cross‑plant impact; maintain NC/CAPA database
• Build and execute tactical plans to move FSQ programs from current to future state
• Track audits and manage SQF audit provider; share learnings and drive improvements
• Improve Customer Supplier Quality; ensure high-quality materials and trend analysis
• Deliver KPI reporting with cross‑functional teams to drive improvements
• Develop and deliver plant level FSQ program training
• Adhoc site backup to Plant Sr. Quality Managers as needed

Skills

Microsoft Office

SAP

SharePoint

Power BI

SPC

Data analysis

Communication

Team leadership

Problem solving

Education

Undergraduate degree in biological sciences, chemistry, food science, or related curriculum

Tools

PCQI

Food Defense Certification

Internal Auditor Certification

Sanitation Certification

Job description

General Purpose

Function as a key member of the Beverage and Dairy Foods team reporting to the Food Safety Director, supporting B&D F Divisional Leadership and manufacturing plants in the development, implementation, and sustainability of Food Safety and Quality Programs. Oversee the ongoing maintenance and continuous improvement of QMS programs and plant enabling tools. Support the build‑out and growth of a winning food safety culture aligned with the B&D F Divisional strategic master plan.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure alignment with Divisional and DFA Corporate FSQR governance as required. Partner with Beverage and Dairy Foods Divisional business unit stakeholders to identify, design, and implement improvements and enhancements to the existing programs, to improve plant food safety and quality engagement.
• Identify key issue trends and monitor plant CAPAs with cross‑plant divisional impact and track to closure. Maintain Divisional level NC/CAPA database in a manner allowing for trend analysis, continuous improvement, and verification of effectiveness. Collaborate with others to align on problem solving tools and support training with plant teams to enhance skill set for an effective NC/CAPA program.
• Partner with stakeholders to build and execute on tactical plan(s) that move FSQ programs/projects from current state to future state while ensuring continued momentum and minimizing disruption to the business.
• Track results from Regulatory, customer and third‑party audits and inspection reports at a Divisional level in alignment with FSQ governance where applicable. Manage relationship with SQF audit provider (Food Chain ID) and support plant quality teams to manage audit schedule and reporting. Partner with cross functional stakeholders to identify, design, and implement process and system improvements to facilitate sharing of key learnings, best practices, and drive continuous improvement from audit findings to support the Quality Management System and Programs.
• Partner with Divisional resources to improve Customer Supplier Quality. Define and maintain data collection process that ensures manufacturing sites receive in high quality materials every day. Leverage trend analysis and audit findings to close gaps in packaging and glass quality, drive continuous improvement, and maintain compliance to DFA and customer requirements.
• Work with BDF Continuous Improvement, Quality Systems and other business cross‑functional representatives to deliver value by trend analysis and KPI reporting to drive continuous improvements on leading key indicator measures. Prioritize and drive focused FSQ improvement efforts, according to business risks identified by SWOT analysis and other assessments, such as external and internal audits.
• Plant Quality Program Development and Improvement (ex. EMP, Sanitation) and BDF Divisional Document Owner. Develop and deliver plant level B&D F FSQ program training as directed.
• Adhoc site back‑up to Plant Sr. Quality Managers to support the business as needed.
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in biological sciences, chemistry, food science, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 8 or more years of experience in FSQ within the food and beverage industry, preferable within the dairy or retort LACF category, including experience with QMS IT platforms (e.g., SAP, Alchemy, SharePoint).
• Previous plant level QA Manager level experience preferred.
• Demonstrated technical writing skills.
• Familiarity with GFSI certification standards (BRC, FSSC, SQF, etc.).
• Certification and/or License – PCQI, Food Defense, Internal Auditor, Sanitation, other training certification (ex. Better Process Control School) may be required during course of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of business software and software solutions (Microsoft Office, SAP, SharePoint, SPC, Power BI).
• Knowledge of 21 CFR Part 117.
• Accuracy, attention to detail, and thoroughness.
• Able to organize and prioritize resources to achieve goals.
• Able to perform analysis, mathematical calculations, and statistical evaluations.
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork.
• Able to take appropriate steps to find solutions to complex problems.
• Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures.
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism.
• Able to lead others through change effectively.
• Must be able to read, write and speak English.

Travel Requirement

50%-75% travel.

Equal Opportunity Employer

An Equal Opportunity Employer.

Compensation

$90,000.00-$100,000.00