Senior Director of Quality Assurance, La Colombe - Remote, MI

Summary

This position contributes to La Colombe success by leading a transformation and executing all Quality Assurance, Sanitation and Food Safety programs at the Muskegon, MI manufacturing facility and the Salmon St. coffee concentrate facility in Philadelphia, PA. This position is responsible for developing and implementing plant programs in accordance with Chobani Quality Standards for the manufacturing of safe, quality products.In addition, this position is responsible for plant regulatory inspections and audits, management or projects and successful scale up of innovation projects. As site quality leader, this role will report to the SVP of Quality and Food Safety while maintaining a strong dotted line to the SVP for Operations in Muskegon, MI.

Responsibilities

• Lead the manufacturing quality assurance, analytical laboratories, and sanitation teams with a staff of about 20. Ensure appropriate staffing in all these functional areas
• Manage all aspects of aseptic and canning processes with third-party Process Authorities to deliver safe products and prevent process deviations
• Work cross-functionally to automate coffee concentrate process to deliver consistent quality
• In collaboration with Operations, lead sanitation initiatives and optimization of CIP systems with the proper validation and verification of the sanitation program
• Lead periodic sanitation audits against the consistent application and execution of procedures and all related sanitation practices
• Engage other functions, collaborate, and lead initiatives to optimize processes and systems to generate efficiencies, sustainability and productivity
• Manage quality programs, product nonconformance RCA/CAPA, holds and release, quality reporting and KPIs, food safety programs and all associated pre-requisite and preventive control programs
• Develop written procedures (SOP) as appropriate and train on new and existing procedures
• Lead the interaction with state and federal regulatory inspectors and third-party auditors
• Work cross-functionally to drive resolution to any observations resulting from inspections and audits
• Support R&D on product improvements and scale up on the launching of new products (line extensions and new lines) for successful product commercialization
• Assure product is safe, analytical methods are in place for new products, and product quality is as designed

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Engineering, Microbiology or a related technical discipline. Master’s degree in a related field of study preferred
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in the food and/or beverage industry in manufacturing Quality. Experience in coffee manufacturing strongly preferred
• Expertise in Aseptic fillers, retorts, and thermal process
• Expertise in CIP optimization and sanitation
• Proficiency in GMP’s, GLPs, quality systems, HACCP, sanitation and allergen management, as well as regulations, such as the PMO and FSMA -related rules
• SQF Practitioner and Preventive Controls Qualified Individual certifications preferred
• Organizational skills and strong attention to detail within a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated track record of working successfully across functions to achieve shared goals, and proven ability to interact cross-functionally
• Business acumen
• Strength in creating competitive and breakthrough strategies and plans
• Work effectively and influence all organizational levels
• Strong, positive team leadership and collaboration skills
• Ability to negotiate and maximize effectiveness of resources and influence others internally and externally
• Knowledge and understanding of systems and application knowledge, such as SAP and LIMS
• Ability to travel up to 20% domestically

About Us

Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers – Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at 32 cafes, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail.   

Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world – putting humanity first in everything it does. The company’s philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond: working to eradicate child hunger, supporting immigrants, refugees and underrepresented people, honoring veterans, and protecting the planet. Chobani manufactures its products in New York, Idaho, Michigan and Australia, and its products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets.

For more information, please visit www.chobani.com and www.lacolombe.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Chobani is an equal opportunity employer.  Chobani will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on any basis including, but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military and/or veteran status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics and genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws.

 Compensation Range: $188,000.00 - $282,000.00, plus bonus.