Job Description

Johnsonville Location: Global Headquarters

Our No. 1 priority at Johnsonville is providing a safe work environment for every Member we employ. Our industry-leading safety record, coupled with the safety awards we’ve received, demonstrate this commitment. Members of our safety team maintain the safety of Johnsonville Members in our facilities, continuously finding new and better ways to do so. We’re also dedicated to producing only the highest-quality products for consumers worldwide to enjoy – ones we would be proud to serve at our own family table. Our quality team ensures Johnsonville meets or exceeds all standards set by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), of the US Department of Agriculture and other regulatory agencies. Our commitment to quality is unparalleled, thanks to the dedication of each quality team member.

Position Overview

Johnsonville is looking for a Director of Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) to lead the tactical implementation and consistent execution of food safety, regulatory, and quality systems across our U.S. Domestic operations. Reporting to the Vice President of Food Safety & Quality, this leader will develop and coach FSQ team members, advance management system effectiveness, and ensure company standards and strategic priorities are consistently embedded in daily operations. By partnering closely with business leaders and cross-functional teams, the Director will strengthen organizational capability, promote a culture of accountability, and help ensure the delivery of safe, compliant, and high-quality products.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop US Domestic FSQ members and leaders to strengthen technical capability, accountability and readiness for expanded responsibility.
• Build a strong FSQ team culture that supports food safety commitment beyond compliance.
• Partner with FSQ leadership to translate strategic priorities into clear tactical plans, accountabilities and implementation milestones.
• Lead implementation of Food Safety, Animal Welfare, Regulatory and Quality Systems across US Domestic facilities.
• Establish, standardize and continuously improve Food Safety, Quality and Animal Welfare procedures, operating practices, product specifications and management routines.
• Ensure regulatory requirements are effectively communicated, implemented, maintained and verified across US Domestic operations.
• Monitor execution and system effectiveness through performance measures, internal compliance activities and management review.
• Lead successful completion of GFSI Certification of all US Domestic plants.
• Identify system gaps, remove implementation barriers and ensure timely corrective and preventive actions are completed and sustained.
• Provide technical direction, coaching and escalation support to facility FSQ teams for significant food safety, regulatory and quality matters.
• Partner with Operations, FSQ Technical Services, Research and Development and Business Unit leaders to integrate FSQ requirements into operating and business processes.
• Coordinate consistent application of FSQ requirements across fresh, ready-to-eat, sow harvest and new technology operations.
• Ensure FSQ resources and expertise are effectively deployed to support operational improvements, new products and business priorities.
• Lead implementation of digitization and data analytics use within food safety, animal welfare, regulatory compliance and quality systems.
• Manage assigned US Domestic FSQ resources and operating budget in alignment with established priorities.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Microbiology or related technical degree, required
• Master’s Degree, PhD preferred or additional years of experience required
• Must be Basic HACCP Certified
• PAACO trained and certification, preferred
• GFSI Practitioner Certification, preferred [SQF and/ or BRC preferred]

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the food industry required; additional years of experience may substitute for an advanced degree
• Meat/Protein industry experience required
• Demonstrated progression in leadership roles within Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) organizations
• Minimum of 5 years of people leadership experience, required
• Active participation in industry associations, with leadership involvement and an established professional network preferred
• Experience with SAP, data analytics tools, and digitization platforms such as RedZone and/or Safety Chain

Skills

• Proven ability to develop self and others, building capability and preparing team members for increased responsibility
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution and attention to detail
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of building and leading high-performing FSQ teams
• Demonstrated ability to identify, evaluate, and implement innovative technologies in practical and scalable ways
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and influence skills across all levels of the organization

Other Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 30% of the time

Benefits and Compensation

Members have potential for a monthly bonus and 401k with a company match. Members also have access to terrific benefits including affordable medical, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; disability and life insurance; and fertility and adoption assistance. Johnsonville also offers competitive paid time off, including paid parental time off, as well as access to the 24/7 onsite fitness center, and onsite medical clinic! Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the country where this job is located, without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

About our Company

Since 1945, our family-owned band of sausage-makers has invented better ways to make, eat and prepare crave-able sausage. Today, we are 4,000+ Members strong. We sell our famous sausage in all 50 United States and more than 40 countries. We have a culture built on the idea that if we make developing your talents our top priority, great business results will follow naturally. We call it The Johnsonville Way. It has been our secret sauce for decades, and we hope you get to experience it for yourself!

Johnsonville is an equal opportunity employer, including Vet/Disability.

We embrace the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including protected veteran and disability status.