Vice President- Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory

Company Description

Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity available for a VP- Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory located out of our corporate office in Bloomington, MN.  This leadership role will oversee the global Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory (FSQR) program to ensure that store operators of all IDQ subsidiaries have access to products that meet IDQ’s standards for quality, consistency and safety for both franchisees and consumers.  Accountable for food safety, regulatory requirements and overall quality of all IDQ food/treat/packaging products and ingredients.

Key Accountabilities Include:

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic leadership relative to food safety excellence across a team of FQSR professionals setting a culture of continuous improvement (providing guidance, training and performance management)
• Serve as subject matter expert on food safety topics, providing expert guidance to corporate and franchisee teams
• Oversee the implementation of food safety protocols, quality assurance procedures, and regulatory compliance
• Develop strong business relationships with both internal and external partners, including key external vendors, franchisees and all internal departments to collaborate cross-functionally and ensure execution is achieved. Work closely with franchisees to influence their understanding and support of FSQR strategies and plans. Present information, strategies and product concepts to cross functional leaders, franchisees and professional organizations in a manner that inspires to action and to achieve established corporate goals.

Food Safety Quality and Regulatory

• Provide regulatory intelligence and guidance, taking into consideration new regulatory trends and product safety issues, setting direction in alignment with business requirements
• Lead and support the business to ensure that Dairy Queen products continuously exceed customer expectations
• Build and maintain credible relationships externally (participation in regulatory, governance, academic, technical and trade association bodies as required)
• Develop and implement the standardization of best practices and global standards

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in food science, chemistry or related fields and Master’s degree in related field are both required.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible FSQR experience with a QSR or Food Service company.
• At least 5 years of experience effectively managing professional level FSQR staff and leading cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of current industry and technical issues associated with food safety, nutrition, public health, environment and animal rights.
• Thorough knowledge of safety, HACCP/HARPC, FDA, USDA, GMP and regulatory requirements.

Skills:

• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Creative thinker who can quickly develop innovative ideas.
• Relationship building skills with the ability to create mutually beneficial relationships with both internal and external clients.  Ability to collaborate with and influence others.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate product development concepts and strategies to a variety of audiences, including senior leadership teams and franchisee leadership groups/councils.
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to lead other departments, such as Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and PD, to complete projects on time.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Ability to travel both domestically and internationally up to 25%.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families.  Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more!  To learn more about our great benefit offerings, Click Here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 2 collaboration days a week.  Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs.  Positions will be identified as “remote eligible” when consideration will be given to candidates outside of drivable distance to our Bloomington office.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for all who touch DQ.  We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work; where we recruit, engage and retain employees, franchise owners and suppliers with diverse background and identities; and where everyone feels welcome engaging with our DQ brand.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. IDQ participates in the US E-Verify program.  You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.