Director, Food Safety & Quality New Emeryville, CA

Job description

Just Food Company is on a mission to build a healthier, safer, and more sustainable food system—starting with what’s on your plate. From pioneering plant-based eggs to making real meat without slaughter, we’re reimagining the future of food in ways that are better for people and the planet.

We’re a lean, passionate team of scientists, chefs, engineers, and operators who believe that doing hard things well can make a meaningful difference. We’ve brought groundbreaking innovations to market, like Just Egg and GOOD Meat, and we’re just getting started.

If you’re excited by big challenges, real impact, and the chance to shape what the future tastes like—we’d love to meet you.

Just Food Companyis building a better food system through better products—andwe’relooking for someone who can own food safety and quality from end to end.Thisrole is ideal for a self-starterwho’spassionate about doing the work and doing it right.You’llbe the point person for all things QA/QC across our internal operations and co-manufacturing partners, with the opportunity to both build and execute systems that scale.

This is a hands-on role in a lean team, suited for someone who thrives in ambiguity, can zoom in and out effortlessly, and knows when to roll up their sleeves and when to step back and see the big picture.

This role reports to theCTOwith a dotted line to theCOO,andwill work cross-functionally with all groups and layers of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Own and continuously improve the company's global Quality Management System (QMS) across internal manufacturing sites and co-manufacturing partners.

Provide quality and regulatory leadership for North American and European operations, including Germany and future potential expansion intoadditionalEuropeanmarkets ensuring compliance with applicable customer, regulatory, and certification requirements. This includes directly or indirectly managing remote quality functions & personnel where appropriate.

Ensure compliance with all applicable food safety and regulatory requirements, including FDA, FSVP, USDA, HACCP, SQF/BRC, export, and international regulations.

Lead internal, customer, certification, and regulatory audits, driving audit readiness, corrective actions, and continuous compliance across the organization.

Oversee raw material, in-process, and finished goods specifications, testing programs, and release standards.

Own product labeling, regulatory reviews, and documentation to ensure ongoing compliance across all markets.

Develop,maintain, and execute regulatory strategies and dossiers to support existing products, new product launches, and international market expansion.

Serve as the company's quality and regulatory subject matter expert,advisingexecutive leadership on food safety risk, regulatory strategy, international expansion, and emerging industry requirements.

Partner cross-functionallywith Operations, Manufacturing, R&D, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to embed quality throughout the product lifecycle.

Build scalable quality systems and processes that support company growth, new manufacturing partners, and geographic expansion.

Drive a culture of food safety, quality excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Travel to internal facilities and co-manufacturing partners to evaluate food safety and quality performance, verify compliance with company standards, and support operational excellence.

Qualifications

Minimum 10 years of relevant food industry experience, including direct QA/QC ownership and at least 3 years in a leadership role; P CQI certified highly preferred

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in food science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in food safety or quality management are preferred

Proven ability to thrive in lean, fast-paced environments—must be both a builder and a doer

Deep understanding of food safety systems, allergen control, and GFSI certification standards

Experience with plant-based food manufacturing a strong plus

Strong working knowledge of food microbiology and product development cycles

Comfortable working with co-manufacturers and navigating international regulatory landscapes

Clear communicator, calm under pressure, and able to lead cross-functional workstreams

Ability to join virtual meetings/calls that overlap with Europe Manufacturing hours (early Pacific hours) as needed

Willingness and flexibility to travelboth domestically and internationally without restrictions up to 25% (maximum).

The total package

We develop our salaries using market data, internal benchmarks, and candidate experience to ensure fairness and competitiveness. All full-time team members receive:

Equity

Up to 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision benefits (up to90% for dependents)

Flexible time off

Compensation

The expected base salary range for this role (based in Emeryville, CA/full-time) is $175,000 – $210,000 per year. Final compensation will be based on skills, experience, and overall contribution to the role.

Additional Information & Requirements

This is a full-time regular position based onsite(5 days/week) at our headquarters inEmeryville, CA.We are prioritizing local candidatesat this time.

At this time, Just Food Company is unable to sponsor or transfer employment visas.Candidates mustbe authorized towork in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

In compliance with federal law, all new hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Form I-9 upon hire.

Just Food Companyand its subsidiariesparticipatein E-Verify.

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Worksite address

emeryville, CA, 94608, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.