Leadership & Strategy:Lead and manage the Quality Assurance (QA), Food Safety, and R&D teams to ensure alignment with the company's strategic goals.Develop and execute a comprehensive quality strategy, ensuring product quality, consistency, and compliance with industry regulations.Drive the R&D process from concept to commercialization, ensuring successful product launches.Quality Assurance & Compliance:Oversee all aspects of quality control, food safety programs, and compliance with FDA, USDA, and other relevant regulatory agencies.Develop and implement quality management systems (QMS) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent product quality.Conduct regular audits and ensure compliance with internal and external standards (HACCP, GMP, SQF/BRC).Research & Development:Spearhead innovation in product development, focusing on new ingredients, formulations, and technologies that enhance product quality and sustainability.Collaborate with Marketing and Sales teams to understand consumer trends and market demands, translating these insights into actionable product innovations.Lead cross-functional project teams in the development of new products, reformulations, and improvements in existing product lines.Process Improvement:Drive continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing processes, packaging, and product formulations to enhance quality, reduce costs, and increase efficiencies.Identify and implement best practices in quality control, product testing, and validation.Regulatory & Risk Management:Ensure all products are in compliance with local, state, federal, and international food safety standards.Lead risk assessment and management activities to minimize potential quality, safety, and compliance issues.Team Development:Build and mentor a high-performing Quality and R&D team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.Provide training and development opportunities to ensure team members stay current with industry trends, regulations, and best practices.MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.10+ years of experience in Quality Assurance, Food Safety, or R&D within the food and beverage industry.Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.Proven track record of managing teams and leading quality or R&D functions.Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, including HACCP, FSMA, FDA, and USDA guidelines.Experience with product development from concept through commercialization, including sensory evaluation, shelf-life testing, and ingredient sourcing.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex projects.Excellent communication, leadership, and team-building skills.Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.HACCP Certified and SQF Practitioner is required