Senior Director Quality

An independent, family-owned business in Philadelphia, I. Rice & Co. has been making quality food products and flavors since 1884. With considerable growth and expansion, we are looking for qualified employees to help in a variety of positions. As a food manufacturing plant, I. Rice & Co. offers a diverse range of employment opportunities, from production coordination to warehouse stocking and inventory organization. With a passionate community, competitive pay, and generous bonus incentives, I. Rice offers ample opportunity for personal and professional growth.

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF QUALITY CONTROL

The Senior Director of Quality Control is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of all quality assurance and food safety programs across the organization. This position plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing our commitment to food safety and quality, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and interfacing with operations to execute company objectives.

This hands-on role combines leadership with technical expertise. The Senior Director of Quality Control is responsible for supervising department operations and staff, managing audits, overseeing sanitation activities, and assisting with the daily functions of the lab as needed. Knowledge of laboratory principles and extensive expertise in food manufacturing is required. Environment is a clean and modern lab working with terrific people.

Essential Job and Duties

• Maintain, develop, implement, and manage quality systems, food safety programs, and regulatory compliance standards (HACCP, GMP, FSMA, SQF, etc.)
• Supervise Quality Control department operations and staff
• Work in a cross-functional environment to develop and execute company-wide quality and food safety strategies aligned with company objectives
• Lead internal and external audits, including customer, third-party, and regulatory inspections
• Manage record-keeping and reporting systems related to production metrics and regulatory requirements
• Monitor sanitation programs and environmental testing, ensuring compliance with microbiological and allergen control standards. Promote a clean and safe working environment where respect for coworkers and the consumer is reflected in every procedure.
• Oversee product recall readiness and crisis management procedures
• Lead investigations related to consumer complaints and non-conformance issues.
• Maintain and update Operations documents and SOPs
• Perform analytical tests on raw materials and finished products
• Calibrate laboratory equipment
• Sample finished product for microbial analysis
• Work with production to make adjustments to batches in order to adhere to product specifications
• Maintain raw material specification documentation and product specification documentation
• Maintain finished product specification documentation

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, R&D, or related course of study preferred
• SQF & PCQI certified preferred
• 10 years of related quality assurance or lab experience
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, SQF, FDA, USDA, GFSI, SQF, FSMA, GMP, GLP, required
• Food industry experience required

Skills and Expectations

• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as individually in an environment with changing priorities
• Ability to prioritize and organize one’s workload
• Comfortable working on an active busy production floor among batching and packaging equipment.
• Capable of working in various work settings of the facility including laboratory, office and plant areas
• Proficient computer skills, including above average knowledge of MS Excel
• Perform basic math skills
• Maintain proper lab conditions and equipment maintenance
• Maintain proper record keeping and perform data entry
• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds
• Being able to withstand extended periods of time on one’s feet

Benefits and Compensation

• Weekly pay with direct deposit
• Health insurance
• Various supplemental insurance policies available after 90-day introductory period
• Life insurance available after completion of 90-day introductory period
• 401-K retirement plan available after one year of employment
• Option to participate in uniform program
• Annual bonus incentives

I. Rice is an equal opportunity employer and derives our staff skills through a diverse and talented workforce. This person will work closely with all departments and persons in our facility and must conduct themselves professionally at all times.