FSQ Continuous Improvement Lead

We are seeking a proactive and results-driven Food Safety & Quality professional to support and lead continuous improvement initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities in the Americas. This role is responsible for driving sustainable improvements in food safety, quality systems, compliance, and operational performance while partnering with site teams to improve key business metrics such as batch release efficiency, deviation reduction, CAPA effectiveness, and laboratory turnaround times (TAT). The successful candidate will leverage data analytics, continuous improvement methodologies, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance performance and strengthen quality culture across the network.

Your

• ◆Support a portfolio of food safety, quality, and operational excellence projects across multiple manufacturing sites in the Americas.
• ◆Partner with site Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and R&D teams to identify, prioritize, and execute continuous improvement initiatives that drive measurable business results.
• ◆Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), including:
• ◆Batch Release Performance, Turnaround Time (TAT)
• ◆Deviation Reduction and Closure Metrics
• ◆CAPA Effectiveness
• ◆Consumer Complaints
• ◆Environmental Monitoring Performance
• ◆Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)
• ◆Develop performance dashboards and routine reporting to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• ◆Support governance and escalation processes related to quality deviations, ensuring timely investigation, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and closure.
• ◆Collaborate with manufacturing sites to improve batch disposition and release processes, reducing cycle time while maintaining compliance and product quality standards.
• ◆Conduct process assessments, data analysis, and gap evaluations to identify opportunities in quality systems, production processes, laboratory operations, and compliance programs.
• ◆Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, PDCA, and problem-solving methodologies to drive sustainable improvements and eliminate waste.
• ◆Facilitate cross-functional improvement workshops and support implementation of best practices
• ◆Develop and deliver training on quality tools, continuous improvement methodologies, deviation management, root cause analysis, and performance monitoring.
• ◆Standardize processes, procedures, tools, and KPI reporting methodologies.
• ◆Prepare and present project updates, performance reviews, and improvement recommendations to senior leadership teams.
• ◆Support site teams and provide technical guidance in continuous improvement, data-driven decision making, and performance management.

• ✓Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline required. Master's degree preferred.
• ✓4+ years of experience in Food Safety, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Excellence, or Continuous Improvement within food manufacturing or another highly regulated industry.
• ✓Experience leading or supporting multi-site improvement initiatives and performance management programs.
• ✓Demonstrated success improving operational and quality metrics such as batch release cycle time, deviation performance, CAPA effectiveness, audit readiness, and complaint reduction.
• ✓Strong knowledge of FSMA, HACCP, Preventive Controls, GFSI schemes (FSSC preferred), and quality management systems.
• ✓Experience with KPI development, dashboard reporting, and data analytics tools such as Power BI.
• ✓Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.
• ✓Strong project and portfolio management capabilities.
• ✓Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on data-driven decisions.
• ✓Expertise in continuous improvement methodologies and root cause analysis tools.
• ✓Strong understanding of deviation management, CAPA processes, batch disposition, and quality systems.
• ✓Ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority across multiple locations.
• ✓Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• ✓Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.
• ✓Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• ✓Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Power BI, Smartsheet, and project management tools.

The skills for success

Commercial Awareness, Business Partnership, Collaboration, Partnership building, Ability to challenge the status quo, Propose improvement, Accountability, Adaptability, Collaborator, R&D, Product Lifecyc