Overview

Overview:

The Director of Total Quality and Food Safety is responsible for setting the strategic direction, leadership, and oversight for food safety and quality assurance programs across Red Lobster restaurant operations and supplier management programs. This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies, and industry best practices while fostering a strong food safety culture. The Director will partner with key internal stakeholders - including Operations, Supply Chain, Culinary, Legal, and Development - and external partners to drive continuous improvement, mitigate risks, and ensure the highest food safety and quality standards are upheld across all restaurants and suppliers.

This role requires a combination of strong leadership, technical food safety expertise, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to influence within a collaborative cross-functional team in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Food Safety Culture

Develop and implement strategic food safety and quality programs to support business objectives. Drive a food safety culture across all levels of the organization, from restaurant teams to senior leadership. Act as the primary food safety liaison between Operations, Supply Chain, Culinary, Legal, Development and external regulatory agencies. Provide leadership and mentorship to the Total Quality and Food Safety (TQFS) team, ensuring professional development and performance excellence.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, CDC, and state/local health regulations affecting restaurant operations. Lead foodborne illness prevention and crisis management responses, including root cause analysis, corrective action plans, and regulatory reporting. Develop, monitor, and improve food safety risk assessment and mitigation strategies across all restaurants and suppliers.
Supplier & Operations Support

Oversee supplier food safety and quality assurance programs, ensuring suppliers meet company standards and regulatory requirements. Partner with Operations leadership to develop and implement food safety training and compliance initiatives in restaurants. Lead internal and external audits, including supplier audits, third-party inspections, and restaurant food safety assessments.
Continuous Improvement & Data-Driven Decision Making

Analyze food safety data trends, audit reports, and guest complaints to drive continuous improvement initiatives. Implement technology-driven solutions for food safety tracking, supplier compliance, and reporting. Implement and maintain quality management systems to track and manage supplier approval data and restaurant food safety complaints. Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide insights to senior leadership on food safety and quality trends.
Qualifications & Experience:

Required:

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Public Health, or related field. 7+ years experience in food safety, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance, preferably in restaurant or foodservice operations. Strong leadership experience, including managing teams and influencing cross-functional stakeholders. Expertise in HACCP, GFSI standards, food safety management systems (FSMS), sanitation, pest control, and health regulations. Experience conducting food safety risk assessments, supplier audits, and crisis management. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to make data-driven recommendations. Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization
Preferred:

Advanced degree (Master's in Food Safety, Public Health, or related field) . Certifications: CP-FS, HACCP, PCQI, SQF/BRC Lead Auditor, ServSafe Instructor/Proctor. Experience implementing food safety technology solutions and data analytics tools. Familiarity with global food safety standards (FSMA, GFSI, SQF, BRC, ISO 22000, etc.).
Additional Information:

Up to 25% travel required to restaurant locations, suppliers, and industry events. Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities. Apply