Regional Quality & Food Safety Integration Manager

ofi is a global leader in food & beverage ingredients and solutions. Through our core ingredient platforms that we’re known for globally – cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices – we partner with food and beverage manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice operators worldwide to help meet evolving consumer needs.

With deep roots in origin countries and close relationships with farmers, we help deliver quality, traceability, transparency, and resilient supply chains. By combining sourcing expertise, market knowledge, innovation, and technical capabilities, we create value for customers while driving positive impact for people and the planet.

Together, ofi employees advance our Purpose: to be the change for good food and a healthy future.

Position Summary:

ofi values in-person collaboration with colleagues –employees are expected to work their specific work schedule on site at their ofi location.

The Regional Quality & Food Safety (QFS) Integration Manager is responsible for leading key QFS initiatives across the region. Reporting to the Regional Director of Quality Systems, this role works closely with R&D, regional and plant QFS, Operations, Supply Chain, Customers and External Manufacturing partners to ensure successful product commercialization and integration of quality systems.

The position supports business growth by leading QFS activities for new product launches, acquisitions, co-manufacturers, and manufacturing sites. Responsibilities include onboarding and aligning quality systems, supporting specification management, coordinating technical transfers, and ensuring consistent implementation of QFS requirements.

The Manager supports QFS project execution and product launches across the region, with a strong focus on Private Label businesses requiring close collaboration, agility, and effective execution.

The ideal candidate is a driven, curious, and results-oriented professional with expertise in food science, quality systems, food safety, regulatory compliance, and project management, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment with QFS, regulatory, and company requirements while promoting practical simplification.

What You’ll Do - Position Responsibilities:

Specification Management Rollout: Lead the regional implementation, standardization, andongoing governance of raw material, packaging (labeling), and finished product specifications

using enterprise PLM/specification software systems (e.g., Specright, Salesforce platforms).

Systems Harmonization: For each project in which is participating, rolling out, standardizing, and maintaining company’s Quality and Food Safety Management Systems across regional

manufacturing sites. 

Technical Commercialization & Innovation Handoffs 

•          R&D to Operations Liaison: Act as the primary QFS link between R&D/Innovation and Operations to support product scale-up and commercialization.

•          Commercialization Support: Lead technical transfers, trials, and first-production validation toensure product compliance and manufacturing readiness.

•          Requirements Translation: Convert customer, regulatory, labeling, allergen, and shelf-life requirements into effective manufacturing and QFS controls.

•          Launch Readiness: Ensure products, processes, suppliers, QFS documentation and requirements are in place prior to commercial production and market release.

External Supply & Co-Manufacturer Governance

• Support the approval and ongoing oversight of external manufacturing networks to ensure product integrity, customer requirements, and market readiness.
• Co-Manufacturer Qualification: Audit, qualify, monitor co-manufacturers, commercial

partners, and key suppliers to ensure compliance with ofi QFS standards, regulatory

requirements, and GFSI-benchmarked programs.

• Technical Governance: Establish and maintain technical agreements, quality expectations, food safety requirements, regulatory compliance, and performance KPIs for third-party manufacturing partners.

Regulatory & Food Safety Compliance

•          Regulatory Governance: Ensure regional compliance with US FDA (FSMA) and CFIA

regulations, including active management of Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) where applicable.

•          Technical Expert: Maintain robust microbiology standards, environmental monitoring

programs (EMP), and hazard control protocols across all project initiatives.

M&A Integration & Systems Standardization

• Acquisition Onboarding: Lead the quality and food safety integration process for newly

acquired facilities, conducting baseline gap assessments and executing transition plans to align operations with corporate standards.

Perform other duties, projects, and responsibilities as assigned to support business and

organizational needs.

Experience You’ll Bring – Role Requirements:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in food science, food safety, microbiology, chemical engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of progressive QFS and Regulatory experience across manufacturing, technical service, or corporate QFS environments.
• 5+ years of experience in the food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
• Experience supporting commercialization, product launches, scale-ups, and technology transfers.
• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification required.
• Practical expertise with FDA labeling and FSMA regulations and CFIA (Safe Food for Canadians Regulations) compliance.
• In-depth working knowledge and application of FSVP programs.
• Strong technical foundation in food microbiology, sanitation principles, and environmental monitoring.
• Quality Schemes: Hands-on experience auditing and implementing GFSI-benchmarked schemes (SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000).
• Strong technical writing skills, including standards, SOPs/SSOPs, specifications, and reports.
• Project Management & Soft Skills: Highly organized with a proven track record of managing multi-site, cross-functional projects; excellent stakeholder communication and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Workable knowledge of SAP and Salesforce and SpecRight is preferred.
• Ability to lead or support cross-functional projects and other business initiatives as needed.
• Familiarity with ofi products, raw materials, process, and methods are an asset www.ofi.com
• Travel & Location: Must be based in the greater Chicago area and willing/able to travel up to 50% to regional plants, co-manufacturers, and integration sites.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. 

ofi provides employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that is designed to support your career, health, and future. Build a Rewarding Career at ofi!   

The pay for this role ranges from $118,000 - $143,000annually and is based on position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay within this range may be determined based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and/or other determining factors.  

Performance-based Bonuses: Discretionary bonus rewarding company performance as well as your contributions and impact, for eligible roles. 

Comprehensive & Affordable Benefits: Coverage for you (and your eligible dependents) with plans designed for peace of mind and savings for the future. 

A Culture of Well-being: Paid Volunteer time off, access to events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being for you and your family. 

Family Support: Paid parental leave, Fertility benefits and lactation support, including milk shipping for traveling employees. 

Additional Perks That Make a Difference: 

• Vacation time from Day 1 – Your time off starts accruing immediately, growing with your tenure. 
• Paid Sick Leave –   Rest, recover, and return strong – with paid sick leave on ofi. 
• Company Paid Holidays – ofi values work-life balance and the importance of celebrating life’s special moments. 
• 401K Match on Day 1 – Invest in your future with our competitive retirement savings program. 
• Career Growth and Learning – Join a company committed to developing talent, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities. 

ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: 

US-Talent.Acquisition@ofi.com

At ofi, we celebrate our diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.