Director Food Safety and Regulatory

The position is responsible for providing strategic planning and leadership in the successful implementation of the Dean Foods Company Food Safety and Quality Management Programs.  The position is also responsible for coordinating the Dairy related regulatory affairs efforts, managing the policy creation/maintenance processes, coordinating responses to major customer requests about quality assurance, and proactively drives improvement in food safety and quality related processes. Work with Quality Assurance team to ensure food safety processes and quality management systems are relevant for our facilities.  Take a proactive approach in the development and continuous improvement of the tools used to evaluate the thoroughness of Dean FS/QA programs. Participate in selection of best practice processes for food safety and quality systems.  Provide and make changes to policy as necessary. Provide subject matter expertise and training to QA personnel on various topics like consumer response, FS/QA management systems, audits, dairy related regulatory, and product performance. Manage the effective integration and communication between Q&A, R&D and all internal departments, teams, and external resources involved in the creation, management, and execution of initiatives. Associate Served: Primary internal associate include:  Quality Assurance Directors, Plant QA Managers, Procurement, Operations Directors, Plant Managers, and National Account Representatives. Supervision: Responsible for providing direct supervision of Sr. Regulatory Affairs, and Sr. QA Managers, Sr. Food Technologist.  Indirect responsible for the supervision of Plant Quality Assurance Managers Requires a Bachelor Degree in Food Science or related field; Masters highly desired. Minimum 10 years experience in leading QA at plant or multiple facilities. 6 years functional management experience.  4+ years experiences with quality assurance, regulatory processes, third party audit and/or manufacturing are required.  Marketing experience a plus. Requires extensive experience in quality system management, food safety criteria, dairy industry processes, nutritional information calculation/approval, labeling requirements, sensory evaluation, and HACCP principles.  Excellent management, organization, interpersonal and leadership skills.  Excellent oral and written English communication skills.  Working knowledge of personal computers and related software applications (word processing, database and spreadsheet software). Additional Skills: Communication – Strong written and oral communications skills to communicate information, facilitate dialog regarding customer needs, and present recommendations and plans via formal and informal means. Ability to effectively facilitate communication between departments/teams. Adaptability – Ability to understand the customer, adapt to changing customer needs and the competitive environment.  Maintains current knowledge and usage of Dean Foods Company’s systems and culture. Creativity/Problem Solving – Demonstrates high level of dynamic creativity in innovative concept idea generation and commercialization; develops positive approaches in resolving issues.  Ability to effectively problem solve and apply sound judgment in business decisions; strong thinker. Interpersonal – Networks and builds positive relations with suppliers, customer, and industry contacts.  Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills in interaction with all levels of internal and external contacts. Associate Service – Sets high standards of service in support of the competitive strategy. .  Understands Speed To Market requirements providing service according to time, cost, and quality expectations. Supervision/Management – Manages and follows-through on providing direction and/or leading projects; develops/utilizes efficient systems and procedures.  Hires, trains, coaches and develops staff; evaluates/rewards staff; and effectively delegates tasks. Leadership – Acts as a role model; ability to develop plans and manage execution.  Demonstrates behaviors that support the vision and values of the Company.  Must be able to influence and gain support from others.   Job Title: Director Food Safety and Regulatory Location: DALLAS, TX 75201 Status: Full Time, Employee Job Category: Quality Assurance/Safety Career Level: Executive (SVP, VP, Department Head, etc) Education Level: Bachelor's Degree