Senior Manager, Food Safety + Quality Assurance

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream•New York, NY

15h•$90,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We started Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in a yellow truck on the streets of NYC in 2008 with a mission to make good ice cream that makes you feel good. Nowadays, people can spend so much time on what’s “healthy” they don’t stop to consider what’s healthy. As far as we’re concerned, happiness is healthiness. We strive to ensure every scoop, store and employee feels and creates one community to contribute to the overall brand. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is hiring a full-time Senior Manager, Food Safety + Quality Assurance based out of our Brooklyn office. This is a great opportunity for a highly experienced individual to work closely with the growing team at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream as the company continues its growth. The ideal candidate has strong experience in food manufacturing (dairy a plus), is well-versed in CPG quality assurance protocols, and can thrive in a fast-paced environment (and loves ice cream!). The Senior Manager, Food Safety + Quality Assurance is responsible for leading food safety and quality assurance across Van Leeuwen’s contract manufacturers, 3PL network, and retail scoop shops. This role will be based out of our Greenpoint, Brooklyn office and follow Van Leeuwen's Hybrid work model and be in office at least three days a week.

Requirements

4 to 6 years of experience as a food safety + quality assurance leader in a food production capacity, experience in dairy production a strong plus
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering or related technical field; higher degrees desirable
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in food safety, with in-depth knowledge of quality assurance, HACCP, and food safety management standards, including auditing for compliance in CPGs
Demonstrated strengths in written and verbal communication, project management. Ability to translate technical information for both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Must be able to consume ice cream containing several allergens in order to perform functions of the job
Must be comfortable working in-store scoop shifts as needed, while adhering to DOH guidelines

Nice To Haves

certifications in HACCP, PCQI, and GFSI auditing schemes (SQF, FSSC 22000, BRC, AIB, etc); credentials in microbiology and/or statistical analysis

Responsibilities

Create, enforce, and maintain Van Leeuwen’s food safety and quality assurance standards across manufacturing facilities and 3PLs
Provide approval of new ingredients and suppliers, manage Van Leeuwen’s approved supplier program, and support in making risk-based decisions when necessary in order to support an agile business model
Assist in the approval of new co-manufacturers through on-site audits and other risk assessments as necessary
Provide FSQA assistance for our retail scoop shops including Dept. of Health policies, allergen communication, and product complaints
Work closely with R&D team to provide food safety expertise and direction
Report key quality metrics and provide cross-functional visibility to quality challenges.
Translating data and risk assessment outcomes into practical strategies to support the food safety and quality assurance agenda
Investigate and resolve issues involving non-conforming material, out-of-specification events, and consumer complaints with our co-manufacturers
Manage label and UPC program in order to ensure proper alignment across the business and compliance with customer requests
Approve packaging and support with packaging version management
Lead traceability initiatives and serve as recall coordinator
Facilitate third party audits and/or certifications for FDA, Kosher, Vegan Action & Non-GMO
Support proper product compliance and serve as the point person for customer compliance requests
Lead the sensory program including weekly tastings and ensuring proper communication gets back to the relevant manufacturers
Manage third party laboratory testing, interpreting results, and making recommendations as require