Director, Quality Management & Performance Improvement

Dole Packaged Foods is a purpose led nutrition and wellness organization that “champions a more equitable world.” A world where everyone has the right to nutrition from the goodness of the earth and we reduce these gaps, one action at a time.

The Director, NA Quality Management & Performance Improvement leads the food safety and quality function by defining, developing and coordinating the implementation of Dole’s Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) strategy to ensure that products and services are safe, legal and meet the expectations of customers. This position is responsible for the development and maintenance of all food safety and quality programs at North America (NA) locations. The role oversees the food safety and quality teams and laboratory personnel at Dole-owned sites and works closely with the third-party manufacturing team. Implements and renews local certifications as necessary. Ensures compliance of production processes at USA facilities with Federal and State regulations.

This role will be based at our plant location in McDonough, Georgia.

• Train cross functional teams on process improvement methodologies through facilitating project-based learning
• Prepares product and process food safety and quality reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends
• Leverage change management and implementation science best practices to assess and improve quality
• Reviews quality performance (KPIs), major non-conformances, corrective actions and drive improvements through root cause analysis
• Manage implementation and daily operations of portfolio of quality improvement projects to solve problems, improve efficiency, reduce cost, increase quality, improve food safety, or improve consumer experience
• Collaborate with New Product Development (NPD) to ensure quality and regulatory standards and metrics are appropriately addressed and included in programs
• Support key elements of efforts to create and sustain a culture of continuous improvement across the organization
• Track baseline and ongoing operational data to identify potential quality improvement efforts
• Develop and maintain food safety and quality management systems for all Dole facilities in North America
• Proactively communicates food safety and quality performance to NA Leadership Team and Global Quality
• Support quality leadership in developing cross functional strategy for quality improvement
• Responsible for compliance and enforcing SQF and ISO 220002005 Food Safety Management Standards
• Establish regular reviews at all plant locations and create a global review process in conjunction with production and Sales and Marketing.
• Develop analysis to inform strategic decision making across levels and milestones of quality improvement project lifecycle
• Leverage data to drive decisions about quality improvement priorities and process improvement activities
• Other duties as assigned

Experience, Knowledge, & Skills You Bring

• Extensive knowledge of FDA and USDA regulations
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with Lean Six Sigma is a plus
• 10+ years’ experience in manufacturing environment
• 5+ years of supervisory experience overseeing employees in a manufacturing function such as quality, operations or supply management
• Broad knowledge and experience with food safety and quality standards such as GFSI and HACCP

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
• Passionate about a purpose driven career
• Self-starter, able to work independently, understands high-level objectives and translates them into action plan for the team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate at the appropriate level across the organization
• Ability to make sound and timely judgments in a fast-paced environment

Education & Certification

• BS/BA degree in Food Science, Microbiology or Life Sciences is required, and an advanced degree is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and use the computer for extended periods of time; ability to answer phones and use a variety of office equipment; ability to lift 20 pounds and reach overhead.

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 50%

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.