Associate Director, Food Safety & Vendor Compliance

Within our Corporate Quality Assurance team located in Denver – Leprino is seeking a Associate Director, Food Safety & Vendor Compliance to help strengthen our food safety programs, supplier assurance processes, and regulatory compliance across our manufacturing network. We believe producing safe, high-quality dairy products starts with exceptional people, thoughtful collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement!

At Leprino, starting compensation for this role typically ranges between $162,000 and $189,000. This position has an annual target bonus of 15%.

What You’ll Do:

• Build and maintain food safety policies, programs, and standards that support compliance with FDA, USDA, NCIMS, state, and international food safety requirements.
• Provide guidance to manufacturing facilities on food safety regulations, regulatory interpretations, and supplier compliance activities.
• Partner with plant leadership to strengthen food safety systems, improve consistency, and address regulatory or operational challenges.
• Lead the Food Safety and Vendor Compliance teams by coaching leaders, supporting professional development, and planning department priorities.
• Review and approve raw material and packaging specifications through SAP to support product quality and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate supplier assurance activities, internal quality audits, and policy updates to strengthen food safety programs across the organization.
• Build collaborative relationships with regulatory agencies and industry organizations while supporting inspections, approvals, and evolving regulatory expectations.
• Identify emerging food safety risks, evaluate potential business impacts, and communicate recommendations to internal leadership.
• Lead root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement efforts that reduce recurring food safety concerns and strengthen preventive programs.
• Support food safety training initiatives that build knowledge, encourage consistent practices, and help teams succeed.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support new processes, equipment, and product initiatives while maintaining regulatory compliance.

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):

• A Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific field.
• Twelve years of food safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, or related experience with a Bachelor's degree, or eight years of related experience with a Master's degree.
• Five years of leadership experience within food manufacturing, including people leadership and team development.
• Five years of experience supporting food safety, quality assurance, or product development within the dairy manufacturing industry.
• Experience interpreting and applying FDA, USDA, and other applicable food safety regulations.
• The ability to travel as needed to support manufacturing facilities, suppliers, audits, and regulatory activities.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):

• A Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Experience using SAP Specification Management or comparable specification management systems.
• Experience supporting cheese manufacturing or cultured dairy products.
• Experience leading supplier assurance programs, internal quality audits, or enterprise food safety initiatives.

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual’s unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.

Offering You In Return:

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story:

Leprino’s history dates back to the 1950s, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” From a small corner grocery store we have grown to over 5,500 employees throughout the globe. Will you join us on our journey?