Quality Performance Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Job Type: Direct Hire
Location: Affton, MO 63123
Schedule: Full-Time, Onsite
Department: Quality & Food Safety
Reports To: Food Safety & Quality Manager

Position Overview
The Quality Performance Lead is responsible for the governance, effectiveness, and continuous improvement of the site Quality Management System (QMS). This role serves as a key driver of food safety, regulatory compliance, audit readiness, and quality performance initiatives across the facility.

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of food manufacturing quality systems, and the ability to collaborate across departments to ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and certification requirements. This individual will leverage data-driven insights to strengthen quality systems, drive continuous improvement, and promote a culture focused on prevention and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities
Quality Management System (QMS) Governance & System Integrity

• Own and manage the site document control system, including procedures, records, forms, and version control processes.
• Lead Change Control and Management of Change (MOC) program governance and execution.
• Coordinate and facilitate Management Review and Food Safety Team meetings, including KPI reporting, agenda development, and action item tracking.
• Develop, maintain, and execute the site verification and validation master schedule.
• Ensure QMS processes remain effective, compliant, and aligned with company standards and regulatory requirements.

Audit & Compliance Leadership

• Lead internal audit programs, including SQF, GMP, and quality system audits.
• Plan, coordinate, execute, and follow up on internal audits and compliance assessments.
• Support and coordinate external audits, including customer, certification, and regulatory inspections.
• Ensure facility audit readiness through proactive preparation and continuous monitoring.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop audit responses, root cause analyses, corrective actions, and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Manage certification programs including Organic, RSPO, Fair Trade, Kosher, and other applicable certifications.
• Serve as a quality representative in customer audits, certification reviews, and compliance discussions.

Risk Management & Food Safety Programs

• Maintain and continuously improve the Food Safety Plan and Quality Plan.
• Lead hazard analysis reviews and ensure effective implementation of preventive controls.
• Manage and update Food Defense programs, assessments, and mitigation strategies.
• Support Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) responsibilities, including verification activities.
• Maintain robust traceability systems and coordinate routine traceability exercises to verify effectiveness and compliance.

CAPA & Continuous Improvement

• Own and oversee the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) program.
• Ensure effective root cause investigations, corrective action implementation, effectiveness verification, and timely closure of quality issues.
• Monitor, trend, and analyze deviations, complaints, audit findings, non-conformances, and CAPAs.
• Utilize quality metrics and data analysis to identify opportunities for systemic improvement.
• Conduct audits of third-party warehouses and external storage locations as required.

Commercialization & Product Compliance

• Participate in commercialization, product launch, and production readiness activities.
• Review and approve product specifications, labeling content, and certification claims.
• Support customer technical questionnaires, regulatory requests, and quality documentation requirements.
• Review and approve quality-related workflows and system processes, including PLM and ERP systems.
• Establish systematic product inspection plans and ensure alignment between quality systems and operational platforms.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, Regulatory, and Commercial teams to ensure quality requirements are incorporated into new products and processes.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and guidance on quality system best practices.
• Support cross-functional quality initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, Quality Assurance, or a related scientific discipline preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing quality, food safety, or quality systems management.
• Strong knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), food safety programs, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience leading internal and external audits within food manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of SQF, GMP, HACCP, Food Safety Plans, and Preventive Controls requirements.
• Strong understanding of CAPA processes, root cause analysis methodologies, and continuous improvement principles.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and documentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and quality management systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• PCQI certification strongly preferred.
• Experience managing certification programs such as Organic, Kosher, Fair Trade, and RSPO.
• Knowledge of FDA, FSMA, and GFSI-recognized food safety standards.
• Experience with ERP, PLM, and quality management systems such as Optiva, M3, SFDC, or similar platforms.
• Experience in bakery, confectionery, chocolate, ingredient manufacturing, or food ingredient industries.
• Previous leadership experience within quality assurance or food safety functions.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

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