Manager, Support Services- Food Safety Quality Regulatory

Company Description

Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

Job Description

We have an exciting new opportunity for a Manager, Support Services- Food Safety Quality Regulatory.  This role provides leadership and support services for the Research and Development (R&D) Team, with responsibilities spanning nutrition, product quality auditing, project management, and oversight of the R&D test kitchen.  The position focuses on driving efficiency through standardized processes, project management and reporting. 

Additionally, this role ensures regulatory compliance and transparency related to nutrition, allergens, and ingredient disclosures.  It also manages daily test kitchen operations including technology support, equipment maintenance, cleanliness, and resource coordination to meet the needs of product developers and quality assurance staff.

Key Accountabilities include:

Project Management

• Lead R&D project management partnering with cross functional teammates, driving timelines and ensuring progress is effectively communicated through regular reporting
• Develop and own process management documentation and training  Including but not limited to regulatory compliance, supplier and distributor expectations, workflows, and incident response
• Lead Data-Driven Improvements: Analyze feedback, quality metrics, project data, product testing data and trends to identify issues and areas of opportunity and drive continuous improvement projects

Nutrition

• Oversee nutrition and regulatory policies
• Support and guide inquires from nutritionist related to: nutrition claims, compliance policies, transparency and nutrition testing

Product Quality Auditing

• Oversee the implementation of scheduled product sampling
• Support product sampling to product specification
• Monitor data and report on non-conforming results and required enhancements
• Provides critical thought and input to improve DQ quality assurance programs

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead reporting on R&D team performance and projects and supplier/distributor performance
• Develops strategies and team & department goals that align with department mission and business goals
• Provides routine coaching and direction to team members to help ensure department and company goals are prioritized and met
• Identifies and implements strategies to generate team member satisfaction and productivity
• Elevates team or project issues to department and company leadership as appropriate
• Provides input to and helps manage department budget

Test Kitchen Management

• Oversee lab coordinator who is responsible for day-to-day operations of test kitchen
• Ensure coordinator keeps R&D test kitchens clean, well-organized, and stocked including cleanliness of dishes, utensils, equipment, and lab in general 
• Oversee management and placement weekly food and Novelty orders and purchase supplies for labs as needed 

The US national base salary range for this position is $105,561, - $129,313. This position is also eligible for a bonus. The base salary range displayed reflects the targeted hiring range for positions across all US locations. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, work location and relevant education or experience.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in a related field with a minimum of three years of relevant experience
• Project management experience; able to initiate, develop and execute projects
• Should have minimum of three years of experience managing employees.
• Proficient on Microsoft programs; Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint with a strong understanding of personal computers and comfortable learning new software programs
• Must be able to work independently and make decisions; howeve