Executive Director - Safe Food Certifications

Description

The Executive Director of Safe Food Certifications is responsible for the overall leadership, financial performance, operations, accreditation compliance, and strategic direction of DFA of California's certification body subsidiary – Safe Food Certifications LLC.

The successful candidate will combine extensive knowledge of third-party food safety certification programs, including BRCGS, SQF, GFSI-recognized standards, and ISO/IEC 17065, with demonstrated ability to lead employees, manage financial performance, implement operational improvements, and drive profitable growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and People Management

• Lead, develop, and manage certification body personnel, including employees and contract auditors.
• Establish clear performance expectations, conduct regular employee evaluations, provide coaching, and address performance deficiencies.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service.
• Recruit and retain qualified personnel while developing organizational capabilities to support growth.

Financial and Operational Management

• Assume responsibility for the certification body's P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, cost management, and profitability.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators, including auditor utilization, scheduling efficiency, service turnaround, and financial performance.
• Identify and implement operational improvements to increase productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee daily certification operations, ensuring effective resource allocation, timely service delivery, and consistent execution.
• Implement technology and process improvements to improve workflow, reporting, and operational effectiveness.

Certification and Accreditation Oversight

• Ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17065, BRCGS, SQF, and applicable accreditation and scheme requirements.
• Provide leadership and oversight of technical personnel responsible for auditor competency, quality management systems, technical reviews, and certification decisions.
• Maintain certification integrity, impartiality, and compliance throughout all certification activities.
• Oversee accreditation assessments, scheme-owner relationships, corrective actions, and continuous improvement activities.
• Monitor industry standards and certification requirements to ensure ongoing compliance and program effectiveness.

Strategic Planning and Business Development

• Develop and execute strategic plans focused on profitable growth, operational excellence, and customer retention.
• Collaborate with Growth and Innovation department to expand certification services, customers, and market opportunities.
• Evaluate new programs, strategic partnerships, and opportunities for business expansion.
• Participate in senior leadership meetings and provide regular updates on financial results, operational performance, and strategic initiatives. 

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Safety, or related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum seven years of experience in food safety certification, third-party auditing, or certification body operations.
• Minimum five years of management experience, including direct supervision of employees.
• Strong working knowledge of BRCGS, SQF, GFSI-recognized certification programs, and ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation requirements.
• Demonstrated success managing employees, establishing accountability, and improving organizational performance.
• Experience managing budgets, analyzing financial results, and improving operational efficiency.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• Previous senior leadership experience within an accredited certification body.
• Direct responsibility for departmental or business unit P&L performance.
• Experience managing employee and contract auditors.
• Demonstrated success driving operational improvements and business growth.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid or office-based position requiring regular engagement with certification body personnel.
• Occasional domestic and international travel as necessary.

Benefits

• Company sponsored Health, Dental, Vision
• Life/AD&D, LTD
• 401k with up to a 5% match

DFA of California complies with the CA Fair Employment and Housing Act and the ADA and will consider reasonable accommodation measures for eligible applicants/employees to perform the essential functions of the job.