The Associate Director, Quality Systems, Regulatory & Compliance leads the execution and continuous improvement of quality systems, food safety programs, and regulatory compliance across assigned manufacturing operations. This role ensures products meet company standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations while driving consistency, accountability, and audit readiness.
Reporting to the Sr. Director, this position serves as a key operational leader for internal audit programs, CAPA effectiveness, complaint management, and site-level compliance execution. The role partners closely with site leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure effective implementation of quality and food safety programs.
This role is based in Monroe Township, NJ, with regular travel to Neptune City, NJ facility.
MEASURES OF SUCCESS:
Quality Systems & Compliance
- Lead execution and continuous improvement of quality systems, food safety programs, and compliance processes across assigned sites
- Maintain and improve SOPs, work instructions, and quality system documentation
- Ensure documentation, inspections, and testing records are accurate, complete, and audit-ready
- Support implementation and maintenance of HACCP, FSMA, GMP, and regulatory requirements
Internal Audit & Audit Readiness
- Own the internal audit program end-to-end, including planning, execution, reporting, and CAPA verification
- Develop risk-based audit schedules and tools aligned with regulatory and certification requirements
- Drive audit readiness and ensure timely closure of audit findings
- Support external audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections
CAPA, Investigations & Improvement
- Lead investigations for nonconformances, complaints, and audit findings
- Drive root cause analysis and CAPA implementation, tracking, and effectiveness
- Identify trends and partner cross-functionally to implement practical, risk-based improvements
Customer, Consumer & Supplier Quality
- Oversee complaint management, including investigation, trending, and corrective actions
- Support product hold, release, traceability, and recall readiness processes
- Support supplier qualification and monitoring in partnership with Procurement and Technical teams
- Review internal and external testing results as applicable
Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership
- Lead and develop Quality team members across assigned facilities
- Partner with Operations and cross-functional teams to drive quality and compliance execution
- Communicate quality, compliance, and audit readiness status to site and senior leadership
IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES:
- Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, or related scientific discipline
- 7–10+ years of experience in quality, food safety, regulatory, or compliance roles within a regulated manufacturing environment
- 3–5+ years of leadership experience managing quality or food safety teams
- Strong working knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, FDA requirements, and GMP-based systems
- Experience supporting or leading GFSI certification programs such as SQF, BRCGS, or equivalent
- Experience with internal audits, external audits, regulatory inspections, CAPA systems, and root cause analysis
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive execution in a manufacturing environment
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- PCQI certification preferred
- HACCP certification required or obtainable within a defined timeframe
- Experience in multi-site manufacturing environments preferred
- Experience with ERP, QMS, or document control systems preferred
BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS:
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
- Free Life and Disability Insurance.
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
- 401 (k) with a 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution.
- Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Access to thousands of free online courses.
- Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
- Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications).
- Referral Program with a cash bonus.
- Access to on-demand pay.
- Paid parental leave.
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands, including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin®, and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.