Associate Director, Quality - External Manufacturing in United States at Jobgether
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Job Description
This position is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company. We are currently looking for an Associate Director, Quality - External Manufacturing in United States.
This role is a key leadership position within the quality organization, focused on ensuring excellence across external manufacturing and co-manufacturing partners. You will act as the primary quality interface between internal business functions and external production partners, ensuring that products meet strict safety, regulatory, and company standards. The position combines strategic oversight with hands-on technical leadership, supporting product commercialization, supplier quality performance, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will lead a team responsible for managing quality systems, audits, and compliance across a diverse supplier network. This role is highly cross-functional, requiring close collaboration with Supply Chain, R&D, Marketing, and Operations. It offers a dynamic environment where quality leadership directly impacts product integrity and consumer trust at scale.
- Lead and develop a team of Quality Managers overseeing external manufacturing and co-manufacturing partners
- Support new product commercialization by ensuring quality readiness, compliance, and execution at supplier sites
- Oversee quality systems and processes for external manufacturers, ensuring alignment with internal standards and regulatory requirements
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on food safety, product quality, and operational efficiency
- Manage consumer complaint investigations, identify trends, and ensure effective corrective and preventive actions
- Collaborate with co-manufacturers to ensure adherence to supplier quality expectations and specifications
- Support internal and external audit readiness, ensuring compliance with global quality programs
- Track, analyze, and report quality KPIs, identifying risks and recommending improvement actions
- Partner cross-functionally with Supply Chain, R&D, and other teams to support commercialization and quality strategy alignment
- Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Food Science or related field preferred
- 8+ years of experience in the food industry or quality assurance within manufacturing environments
- Strong knowledge of GMP, food safety systems, and quality management frameworks
- Proven experience in both plant and corporate quality roles is highly desirable
- Experience leading teams and managing external suppliers or co-manufacturers
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex quality issues
- Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC), DOE, and process capability studies is a plus
- Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, regulated environment
- Leadership mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Competitive base salary range: $141,500 – $203,400 USD annually
- Comprehensive medical, dental, life, and disability insurance coverage starting day one
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match and immediate vesting
- Paid time off, unlimited sick leave, and paid holidays
- Employee wellness programs and access to fitness and wellbeing resources (on-site benefits where applicable)
- Employee Resource Groups supporting inclusion and professional development
- Volunteer and community engagement programs with annual matching contributions
- Career development opportunities within a portfolio of leading consumer brands
- Collaborative and purpose-driven work environment focused on innovation and quality.