Director, Supplier Quality & Food Safety

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we're committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive-whether you're just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we're proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani Italian cheeses and ricotta, President specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone's cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond cheddar, and Parmalat milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi's, Stonyfield Organic, Brown Cow, Oui, Yoplait, Go-Gurt, :ratio, Green Mountain Creamery, and Mountain High, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun, Gopi, and Arz.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Director of Supplier Quality and Food Safety in Buffalo, NY.

As a Supplier Quality and Food Safety Director LUSA, the role will carry out responsibilities such as but not limited to securing food safety & compliance of all LUSA suppliers (Raws & Packs, CoMan) with the Group QFS standards & FDA standard; to ensure Business Continuity & Reputation. Lead the transformation of Q&FS roadmap (WINSUP project) established by Corporate. Leverage the talent of existing Resources in LUSA to build a strong and efficient Quality Upstream team to deliver a solid QFS Supplier management program.

The role includes leading the transformation of the Food Safety Quality program for all upstream suppliers and Co-Manufacturers, driving synergies between internal resources across divisions. Additionally, the Supplier Quality and Food Safety Director LUSA will collaborate with Supplier quality corporate in Laval and network, Procurement team LUSA, R&D LUSA, suppliers, co-manufacturers and co-packers, quality manager of factories in LUSA to align duties with the company's goals and values.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

* Serve as the primary point of contact for the corporate Supplier Quality Department (SDQ); share audit reports; manage auditor qualifications; and ensure "no spec no buy" implementation in sourcing.

* Manage raw/packaging specifications, including validation, improvement, and annual risk assessment with stakeholders.

* Oversee supplier documentation, plan/prioritize audits based on risk, coordinate auditors, and conduct audits according to Group rules.

* Track QFS performance using KPIs; conduct performance reviews; collaborate with stakeholders to resolve issues; and validate traceability systems.

* Contribute to strategic initiatives like dual sourcing; maintain updated supplier lists; and ensure regulatory compliance and anticipation of new regulations.

* Provide expertise and support on non-compliance, including root cause analysis and problem-solving, and approve suppliers on quality and food safety.

* Ensure full compliance with FDA and Lactalis SQMP standards; cultivate win-win relationships with suppliers; and maintain a robust QFS supplier management program focused on key metrics.

* Apply Group Supply Criticality and Food Fraud protocols; participate in creating supply specifications and defining analytical criteria; and develop/implement initiatives to enhance QFS culture.

* Manage crisis/alert and incident/withdrawal/recall procedures; establish an integrated QFS management system; and maintain close relationships with internal teams and suppliers.

* Oversee team health and safety; manage auditor work; handle staff management (onboarding, training, appraisal, development); utilize internal tools; and improve performance through skill development and communication.

Supervisor Responsibilities

The incumbent is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of Supplier QFS team across LUSA divisions in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Work Conditions

* Travel is required up to 50% monthly.

* Extended hours may be necessary depending on the project needs.

* To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer, phone or, and / or allowance(s) will be provided.

* To fulfill these responsibilities, a cell phone is required.

* Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties and responsibilities.

* This position requires physical presence in the office, in accordance with the guidelines of the Hybrid Work Policy.

* Demonstrate commitment to a safe working environment that promotes the health and well-being of all employees and that will further contribute to the Company's overall performance and success.

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education

* A bachelor's degree is required.

* Majors in food science, industries, or dairy science is favored.

Experience

* 15+ years of QFS management in the agri-food industry is required.

* Experience in the Dairy industry, QFS management, supplier quality management, quality audits or supplier audits is required.

Certifications and specific knowledge

* Knowledge of: The agri-food and/or dairy industry, industrial technologies & processes, QFS management systems; current regulation on food contact material, food safety, labelling.

* Crisis management knowledge, quality audits.

* Preferred HACCP certification GFSI as FSSC 22000.

Competencies

* Best practices / Good Industrial practices

* Client oriented / stakeholder management

* Communication

* Complaint Traceability

* Quality Audit

* Quality Management in Plants

* Quality Standards

* Quality Systems Policy & Procedure Implementation

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental

disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations