Regional Quality Director | NY/MI

Coopersville, MI 49404

Employment Type: Permanent Job Category: Quality Engineering Job Number: 48296005 Compensation: $150000-190000 / year

Job Description

 
Job Title: Quality Director
Location: Coopersville, MI
Salary Range: $140,000 – $190,000  DOE
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401K  
 

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic  Quality Director to lead food safety and quality initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites specializing in low-acid aseptic bottling and PMO-regulated dairy products. This critical role will develop and strengthen quality systems to support new and existing production lines while ensuring alignment with enterprise-wide standards and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate is an expert in aseptic and ESL processing with a proactive, data-driven approach to quality management. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity with visibility across executive leadership, regulatory agencies, and key stakeholders.


Key Responsibilities

1. Quality Management Systems
  • Lead the development and execution of food safety, quality, and compliance programs across multiple sites.
  • Oversee hold and release processes in coordination with supply chain demands.
  • Manage site laboratory operations and product testing programs to improve food safety, compliance, and first-pass yield.
  • Define and manage QA departmental budgets across regions.
  • Set clear goals and performance expectations for plant quality managers.
2. Regulatory Compliance
  • Lead internal and third-party quality audits and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, including FDA and PMO.
  • Support site inspections, licensing, and regulatory testing programs.
  • Serve as a regulatory SME for operations and supply chain teams.
3. Quality Culture Development
  • Champion a proactive quality culture through effective training and coaching.
  • Design and implement site-specific and regional quality training programs.
  • Act as a liaison for QSE initiatives and cross-functional stakeholder engagement.
4. Consumer Satisfaction
  • Analyze consumer complaint trends and lead investigations to resolve product quality issues.
5. Site Audits & Certifications
  • Partner with process authorities and technical managers for aseptic line validation, startups, and issue resolution.
  • Oversee implementation and monitoring of HACCP, HARPC, GMP, MSS, GFSI, and ISO systems.
6. KPI Reporting & Performance
  • Lead regional improvement initiatives related to quality KPIs.
  • Prepare and present reports to senior and executive leadership.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in ESL/aseptic dairy or beverage quality in a leadership capacity.
  • Deep understanding of FDA, PMO, GFSI standards and quality systems in a manufacturing environment.
  • Expertise in aseptic/ESL filling and processing technologies.
  • Certified or actively pursuing certification in: FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP, PCQI/FSMA, Internal Auditing, and Better Process Control School.
  • Strong proficiency with LIMS, ERP, and QA software systems.
  • Demonstrated success using data and science to inform quality decisions.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills; capable of influencing across multiple sites.
  • Strong project management and organizational abilities.
  • ISO 9001 auditing training preferred.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Visio.
  • Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.
 
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. 

Meet Your Recruiter

An-Denise Carter

As one of the most respected names in engineering staffing, Sterling has hundreds of opportunities with top employers. If you’ve got a friend or colleague seeking their next move in engineering, we could have their next opportunity. We offer a referral bonus for every referral that we place. Submit referral now. 

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About Coopersville, MI

Ready to take your career to the next level? Explore our job opportunities in the vibrant Coopersville, Michigan area. Nestled in Ottawa County, Coopersville offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city opportunities. With its proximity to Lake Michigan, stunning parks like the Coopersville Farm Museum and charming local eateries serving up mouthwatering Dutch cuisine, there's no shortage of reasons to make Coopersville your career destination. Immerse yourself in the local culture at the historic Coopersville & Marne Railway, catch a show at the Bronson Street Theatre, or cheer on the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team at the nearby Van Andel Arena. Discover the endless possibilities for career growth and fulfillment in Coopersville today!