Director of Quality Assurance & Nutrition

Director of Quality Assurance & Nutrition Join to apply for the Director of Quality Assurance & Nutrition role at First Watch Restaurants Director of Quality Assurance & Nutrition Join to apply for the Director of Quality Assurance & Nutrition role at First Watch Restaurants Direct message the job poster from First Watch Restaurants Senior Corporate Recruiter at First Watch Restaurants

Overview

The Director of Quality Assurance & Nutrition ensures the highest standards of product quality, food safety, and nutritional compliance across all First Watch brands. This position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive product quality and supplier food safety programs, as well as providing guidance on nutrition-related matters. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of industry regulations and best practices and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to uphold our commitment to excellence. This position is based in the First Watch Home Office in Bradenton, FL, with travel up to 30% of the time.

Responsibilities

The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position’s duties and responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required. Supplier Compliance: Protect the brand by making improvements in the food safety & quality systems of supplier and distributor facilities to meet the requirements of GFSI, HACCP and FSMA.

• Coordinate vendor audits and ensure supplier compliance with GFSI, HACCP, and FSMA standards
• Collaborate with suppliers, distributors, internal teams, and third-party auditors to enhance food safety and quality systems
• Communicate compliance status and generate quarterly KPI and trend reports for leadership
• Conduct supplier visits and manage product recalls, withdrawals, and FSMA 204 traceability initiatives

Product Quality Monitoring: Drive compliance to product specifications and ensure continued alignment with stakeholders that enables informed decision-making for First Watch.

• Lead continuous improvement of product quality and food safety from sourcing to service
• Develop and maintain product specifications and standards for all products
• Address quality issues, manage corrective actions, and support emergency approvals and shelf-life extensions
• Oversee third-party lab testing and conduct annual product risk assessments
• Monitor regulatory changes and support innovation in food, beverage, and packaging quality

Nutrition, Lifestyle & Allergen Program: Drive nutritional and allergen compliance and performance by ensuring conformance to legal and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain and update the Nutrition and Allergen Program to ensure regulatory compliance
• Provide KPI reporting and support training initiatives related to allergen awareness
• Manage nutrition and allergen analysis for core and limited-time menu items
• Support marketing and customer care with accurate ingredient, nutrition, and allergen information

Data, Document & Process Control: Develop, maintain and synthesize quality data.

• Support the development of department technology tools and data systems
• Analyze KPIs and product performance to identify risks and improvement opportunities
• Maintain accurate product specifications and lead document control for QA and food safety systems

Qualifications

• BS/MS degree in food science, microbiology, agricultural science, chemistry or related field required
• 5+ years of work experience in QA or R&D in the food industry with food manufacturing experience, as well as retail/restaurant/hospitality experience
• Knowledge of the commercialization process
• Experience providing direction to suppliers / 3rd party labs and recommendations to internal teams
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices, Good Laboratory Practices, Standard Sanitation Operating Procedures
• Technical knowledge of regulatory laws pertaining to USDA and/or FDA regulated products, including FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act)
• Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 30%

Who We Are First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients. A… Apply Job! Apply to this Job