Victoria Newitt Recruitment Inc has been retained by Daiya Foods to search for a Quality Assurance Director.

Job Title:                  QA Director  
Department:             QA Daiya Foods are the original dairy-free revolutionaries, leading the charge in what’s possible. They seamlessly blend tradition with innovation to change the landscape of dairy-free and the way people eat. They are accountable, passionate, curious and purposeful. They celebrate diversity, compassion, and mutual trust for one another.

SUMMARY
The Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance is responsible for defining and executing the strategy that ensures Daiya’s food safety and quality programs meet the highest standards across their owned manufacturing and co-manufacturing network. This role leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of all food safety and quality systems—including SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and SFCA—while building a strong quality culture across the organization. The Director leads a team through ongoing transformational change as Daiya adapts quality systems, introduces new ingredients and technologies, scale with co-packers, and expand in both the US and Canada. The role requires someone who can think creatively and solve complex problems without compromising food safety, compliance, or operational discipline. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to the Food Safety & Quality Assurance team.
• Set the strategic direction and long-term roadmap for food safety and quality across Daiya’s manufacturing and co-packer network.
• Lead the team through transformational change as systems, processes, and business models evolve.
• Collaborate closely with senior leaders (Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, Commercial) to embed a strong, consistent quality culture.

Food Safety & Quality Systems

• Oversee the design, implementation, and ongoing optimization of food safety and quality systems (e.g., SQF, HACCP, GMP, FSMA, SFCA).
• Ensure all products, processes, and facilities meet internal standards and regulatory expectations in the US and Canada.
• Define, measure, and track key food safety and quality KPIs across internal manufacturing and co-packer facilities, and drive corrective and preventive actions.

Ingredient, Process & Product Development Support

• Support the development and scaling of new ingredients, processes, and technologies, ensuring safe and seamless integration into production.
• Partner with R&D to design product development workflows that incorporate food safety, quality, and commercialization readiness from concept to launch.
• Serve as the quality voice at Innovation Councils and new product ideation sessions.

Co-Packer & Vendor Management

• Lead the evaluation, onboarding, and ongoing performance management of co-packers, ensuring they consistently meet Daiya’s standards.
• Oversee vendor management systems to ensure ingredient quality and safety.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with co-packers and suppliers to drive transparency, continuous improvement, and cost-effective quality.

Continuous Improvement & Automation

• Drive modernization initiatives including digital system implementations, automation of QA processes, and error reduction programs.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that streamline quality processes and reduce risk to consumers and the business.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with Regulatory (no direct ownership) to ensure alignment between quality systems and labeling/claims requirements.
• Collaborate with Otsuka Corporate QA on global initiatives where applicable.

Financial Accountability

• Prepare and manage the annual budget for all food safety and quality initiatives and systems.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in food manufacturing, including exposure to diverse ingredient types or novel ingredient technologies.
• Deep understanding of SQF, HACCP, GMP, FSMA, and SFCA requirements.
• Strong experience with both owned manufacturing and co-packing environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams through significant process or organizational transformation.
• Experience conducting facility audits, managing third-party audits, and leading corrective action programs.
• Experience working with US FDA and CFIA requirements.
• Experience with cross-border operations (US and Canada) preferred.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of food science, food processing, ingredient functionality, and food safety systems.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically while maintaining rigorous adherence to food safety and quality standards.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, influence, and build high-performing teams.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making capabilities.
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and comfortable with digital systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to collaborate cross-functionally and work independently when needed.

DAIYA'S CORE COMPENTENCIES

• Emotional Intelligence: You possess the ability to manage emotions, as well as seek to understand the emotions of others around you.
• Growth Mindset: You find opportunities and possibilities when challenged, embrace continuous learning, and constantly strive to grow and improve.
• Effective Communication: You effectively listen, assess, and adjust your communication to align your intention and impact.
• Collaboration: You work with and through others to create great results for Daiya.
• Driving Results: You take the initiative to find solutions, deliver results, maintain focus, and drive accountability.
• Service Excellence: You understand and serve the needs of others (Daiyans, consumers, and our communities)

At Daiya Foods, they are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment, one in which employees can bring their whole selves to work everyday.  They welcome and celebrate differences because they believe a multitude of perspectives fosters innovation and will help them achieve their vision.
 

COMPENSATION:

The range offered for this position is: $130,000 – $160,000 annually, plus bonus and LTI.

Compensation offered within this range is based on factors unique to each candidate, including skills, qualifications, experience and credentials.

If this position suits your skills and experience, we want to talk to you!

Please apply by submitting your resume and a covering letter outlining why you are a suitable candidate for this exciting role.