Regional Director, Food Safety & Quality Assurance Systems - McDonald’s Channel

This position provides internal and external direction and communication necessary to develop and sustain customer confidence in CHG’s quality and food safety performance in the North American Region. Activities include both proactive and reactive components of customer quality relationship management on behalf of CHG.

This position serves as the key contact with McDonald’s Quality Systems team and part of the CHG McDonald’s business unit leadership team. The incumbent is expected to partner with multiple stakeholders, departments and personnel to co-ordinate effective internal communication and integration of McDonald’s quality requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build strong relationships with Key McDonald’s QS representatives via in person and virtual meetings
• Regularly review and improve quality systems and FSQA-related KPIs for McDonald’s products and processes.
• Review, maintain and monitor Food Safety Plans and HACCP programs at processing facilities that manufacture McDonald’s products. Ensures proper execution of food safety plans and programs.
• Work with operations and plant FSQA team to confirm that the plants have the necessary FSQA processes to ensure all McDonald’s finished product meets or exceeds specifications.
• Ensure all North American bakeries meet and exceed sanitation requirements.
• Provide supervision, guidance and relevant McDonald’s-related training programs for QA and Sanitation Managers at applicable facilities.
• Attend sensory evaluations and business reviews with McDonald’s and assure top percentile scores.  Drive Continuous improvement activities to achieve “Gold Standard” ratings.
• Review McDonald’s-related QA programs and determine synergies and coordinate and collaborate with QA Regional Leaders to implement best practices.
• Contributes to root cause analysis
• Lead regional FS/QA direct reports to support day-to-day facility operations and FSQA improvement strategies, including regular site visits to gain operational knowledge and expertise
• Any other duties and projects assigned by the VP Global Quality Assurance and Food Safety
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum of 10-years of experience working with large QSR customers; prefer experience within McDonald’s system and their audit expectations (SQMS/CFS/etc)
• Experience with GFSI third party audit requirements and procedures
• Experience with SAP or other ERP systems
• Prefer experience in a bakery/dry mixing (dry blending, frozen dough and baked goods) production environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient use of computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), and other related applications or software.
• Self-motivated with a sense of urgency to accomplish goals and objectives and continuous improvement activities
• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills
• Solid understanding and working knowledge and experience with FSMA, Preventative Controls, and HACCP plan development and certification
• Solid knowledge of Lean principles including root cause problem solving methodologies, standard work, continuous improvement, etc.
• Ability to work in a matrix environment and build strong relationships by being transparent, reliable, and accountable.  Strong interpersonal skills backed-up by strong technical knowledge are critical to success in this role.
• Must have good writing skills and be able to communicate effectively with people at all levels of the company.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Manage multiple direct reports including but not limited to: Sr. Quality Assurance Manager (s), Quality Assurance Manager (s).
• Work requires supervising and monitoring work performance of direct reports including making final decisions on hiring and disciplinary actions, evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, and realigning work and staffing assignments, as needed.
• Develop functional responsibilities of individuals that report to this position and ensure that best-in class output is created.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Typical work in office environment but will spend periods of time in manufacturing plants which will have exposure to unusual elements, such as dirt, dust, fumes, odors, darkness and/or poor lighting, noise and vibration. Seasonal exposure to weather elements to include, but not limited to, extreme temperatures, wetness and humidity.
• Must be able to lift up to 15