National Quality Director

Description

As the National Quality Director for Blakes Beverage Company, you will be responsible for overseeing and driving the quality assurance program across our four production facilities. You will ensure that our products meet or exceed the highest standards for quality, safety, and regulatory compliance while aligning with the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. This leadership role requires a hands-on approach to developing, implementing, and refining quality control processes, managing teams, and ensuring that every batch of cider meets the expectations of our consumers.

You will work closely with the operations, production, and supply chain teams to implement best practices in quality management and continuous improvement. In addition, you will be instrumental in fostering a culture of quality, providing training, and upholding industry certifications and standards.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

• Quality Management System: Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of the company’s National Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring consistency across all production sites.
• Product Quality Assurance: Oversee the entire product lifecycle from raw material sourcing to final product release, ensuring products meet all internal and external quality standards and regulations.
• Team Leadership: Lead a national team of quality assurance managers and technicians across multiple facilities. Provide training, mentorship, and guidance to ensure adherence to best practices and quality standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all products meet required federal, state, and local regulations, including food safety, labeling, and alcohol industry-specific standards. Work closely with legal and compliance teams to stay ahead of industry changes.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality, process efficiency, and cost reduction. Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track and improve product consistency and quality.
• Supplier & Vendor Management: Collaborate with sourcing and procurement teams to ensure that raw materials and ingredients meet stringent quality standards. Manage supplier quality audits and establish quality agreements where necessary.
• Consumer Experience: Partner with marketing, sales, and customer service teams to address any quality-related concerns or product issues raised by customers, ensuring brand consistency and consumer satisfaction.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Analyze quality control data and produce reports for upper management to provide insights on product quality trends, and areas of improvement, and to drive strategic decision-making.
• Innovation: Work closely with R&D and product development teams to support new product launches, ensuring they meet quality standards from concept through commercialization.
• Environmental Health & Safety (EHS): Lead and implement EHS programs to ensure a safe working environment across all facilities, with a focus on preventing accidents, reducing workplace risks, and adhering to environmental standards.
• Field Product Issues & Recalls: Oversee the identification, investigation, and resolution of any product quality issues that arise in the field, ensuring that appropriate corrective actions are implemented swiftly.
  
  

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or related field. A Master's degree or industry certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, ISO 9001, HACCP) is a plus.
• Experience:10+ years in quality assurance or quality control in the beverage or food industry, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop cross-functional teams. Experience managing teams across multiple locations is a plus.
• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of quality control processes, tools, and techniques, including statistical process control (SPC), root cause analysis, and corrective actions. Experience with quality management software is advantageous.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with food safety regulations (FDA, USDA), alcohol industry standards (TTB, state alcohol control boards), and other relevant safety and compliance standards.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact with employees at all levels of the organization, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of addressing complex quality issues and finding effective solutions.
• Travel: Willingness to travel occasionally to visit production sites and vendors across the country.
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the company
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment with a passionate team focused on crafting high-quality hard cider