Chief Quality Officer (CQO) – Food & Beverage

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for quality assurance and regulatory excellence in the Food & Beverage industry? We are seeking a Chief Quality Officer (CQO) to oversee quality control, food safety, and compliance initiatives for a leading company in Indianapolis, IN. This is a unique opportunity to drive best-in-class quality programs, enhance operational standards, and ensure product integrity in a fast-paced, consumer-focused market. If you have a track record of leading quality teams and implementing industry-leading practices, this role is for you.

Ensure Excellence in Food & Beverage Quality in Indianapolis

A top-tier Food & Beverage company in Indianapolis, IN is looking for a Chief Quality Officer (CQO) to lead its quality assurance, compliance, and food safety strategies. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in quality leadership, regulatory compliance, and process improvement within the Food & Beverage sector. If you are passionate about upholding the highest quality standards, driving continuous improvement, and leading cross-functional teams, this is your chance to make a significant impact in the industry.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Quality Officer (CQO) – Food & Beverage

Quality Assurance & Compliance

Ensure all food and beverage products meet the highest quality standards and comply with FDA, USDA, and other regulatory requirements. Develop and enforce policies that align with industry best practices, food safety protocols, and corporate governance.

Food Safety & Risk Management

Lead food safety initiatives, including HACCP, GMP, and FSMA compliance programs. Identify potential risks in sourcing, production, and distribution, implementing preventive measures to maintain product integrity and consumer trust.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

Drive process improvements in manufacturing, packaging, and distribution to enhance efficiency while maintaining strict quality control. Implement best-in-class methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Total Quality Management (TQM).

Regulatory Affairs & Audits

Manage all regulatory audits, certifications, and third-party inspections. Ensure proactive engagement with federal, state, and local regulatory bodies while staying ahead of evolving industry regulations.

Supplier & Supply Chain Quality Management

Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams to ensure raw materials and ingredients meet established quality standards. Establish supplier audits and performance evaluation processes to mitigate risks in the supply chain.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Team Development

Lead and develop a high-performing quality assurance team. Foster a culture of accountability, training, and continuous education on food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

Customer & Consumer Satisfaction

Analyze customer feedback, quality reports, and product returns to identify and address quality issues. Develop corrective and preventive action plans to improve overall consumer satisfaction and brand reputation.

Technology & Innovation in Quality Control

Leverage emerging technologies such as AI, automation, and IoT to enhance quality monitoring, traceability, and reporting. Implement data-driven quality control systems to detect and address issues in real time.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief Quality Officer (CQO) – Food & Beverage, the client is searching for a dedicated leader with a strong background in quality assurance, food safety, and regulatory compliance. You should be an expert in implementing rigorous quality control measures, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and driving continuous improvement across manufacturing and supply chain operations.

Proven Expertise in Food & Beverage Quality Assurance

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in food safety, quality control, and regulatory compliance within the Food & Beverage industry. You should have a track record of developing and executing quality management systems that ensure product consistency, safety, and compliance with FDA, USDA, HACCP, and GFSI standards.

Strategic Thinker with a Vision for Quality Excellence

As CQO, you must be able to develop and implement long-term quality strategies that align with business goals and industry best practices. The client values leaders who can anticipate potential risks, introduce proactive solutions, and foster a culture of continuous improvement across all departments.

Strong Leadership and Team Development Skills

The client is looking for a CQO who can lead and mentor cross-functional teams, including quality assurance, food safety, and compliance personnel. Your ability to inspire, train, and develop high-performing teams will be key in maintaining the company’s reputation for quality and safety.

Deep Understanding of Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

A comprehensive knowledge of food industry regulations, certifications, and auditing processes is essential. You should be adept at handling regulatory inspections, ensuring compliance with government and industry standards, and mitigating risks related to product recalls, contamination, and food safety issues.

Analytical and Data-Driven Decision Making

The client values a data-driven leader who can analyze quality reports, customer feedback, and operational metrics to identify areas for improvement. Your ability to leverage technology, automation, and predictive analytics in quality control will be a significant advantage.

Commitment to Customer Satisfaction & Brand Integrity

The ideal candidate will have a strong consumer-first mindset, ensuring that all products meet the highest standards for safety, taste, and consistency. You should have experience in handling customer complaints, implementing corrective actions, and strengthening brand trust through exceptional quality management.

Collaboration with Supply Chain & Manufacturing Teams

A successful CQO must work closely with procurement, production, and logistics teams to uphold supplier quality, ensure smooth operations, and minimize product defects. Your ability to enhance supplier audits, enforce quality standards, and optimize manufacturing processes will be crucial.

This role requires a visionary quality leader who can elevate standards, drive operational excellence, and protect consumer trust in the highly competitive Food & Beverage industry. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact, this opportunity is for you.

FAQs About the Role – Chief Quality Officer (CQO) – Food & Beverage

1. What are the key responsibilities of the CQO in this role?

As the Chief Quality Officer (CQO), you will be responsible for developing and enforcing quality assurance strategies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining the highest food safety standards. Your role includes leading cross-functional teams, overseeing supply chain quality control, managing risk assessments, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product integrity and consumer trust.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?

The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance within the Food & Beverage industry. A strong background in HACCP, GFSI, FDA, USDA regulations, and quality management systems is essential. The client seeks a proactive leader with a proven track record of improving product quality, managing recall prevention, and enhancing operational efficiency. A degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field is preferred, along with certifications in quality management and regulatory compliance.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?

The client is looking for a detail-oriented, data-driven leader with strong decision-making skills. You should be able to motivate teams, foster a culture of excellence, and drive continuous improvement across manufacturing and supply chain operations. Excellent communication skills, the ability to collaborate with stakeholders, and expertise in risk mitigation are key attributes for this role.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?

As a CQO in the Food & Beverage industry, you will face challenges such as ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, managing product safety risks, optimizing supplier quality, and improving manufacturing efficiency. You must also be prepared to handle product recalls, navigate consumer expectations, and implement data-driven quality assurance strategies to enhance brand reputation.

5. What is the expected impact of the CQO on the company’s growth?

The CQO plays a critical role in maintaining consumer trust, reducing operational risks, and ensuring product excellence. Your leadership in quality management, compliance, and process optimization will directly impact brand reputation, customer satisfaction, and market competitiveness, ultimately driving business growth and profitability.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?

The company fosters a quality-driven, fast-paced, and collaborative work environment. They value leaders who champion innovation, teamwork, and accountability while maintaining a strong focus on continuous improvement and regulatory compliance. You will have the opportunity to shape the company’s quality culture and lead initiatives that set industry benchmarks.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief Quality Officer (CQO) – Food & Beverage, you can expect a competitive compensation package tailored to attract top industry talent. The remuneration typically includes:

1. Base Salary

The base salary for a CQO varies depending on company size, market position, and industry sector. In the Food & Beverage industry, annual base salaries typically range from $180,000 to $350,000, with larger companies or multinational corporations offering even higher salaries.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses

Most CQO compensation packages include performance-based bonuses tied to quality improvement metrics, regulatory compliance, risk management, and cost savings. These bonuses can range from 20% to 60% of the base salary, depending on individual and company performance.

3. Equity & Stock Options

Many companies offer equity-based incentives, including stock options, RSUs (Restricted Stock Units), or performance shares. These align executive compensation with the company’s long-term success, providing financial rewards based on business performance and market value growth.

Some firms provide profit-sharing programs or long-term incentive plans (LTIPs), rewarding executives for sustained quality improvements and operational excellence over multiple years. These incentives ensure a focus on continuous growth and product safety.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks

CQOs often receive comprehensive executive benefits, including:
✅ Health, dental, and vision insurance
✅ 401(k) or pension plans with company contributions
✅ Executive retirement plans
✅ Company-sponsored training and leadership programs
✅ Travel allowances for plant audits and supplier visits
✅ Expense accounts for industry conferences and networking

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance

For highly qualified candidates, companies may offer signing bonuses or relocation packages to secure top talent. These one-time incentives can range from $25,000 to $200,000, depending on experience and company budget.

Total Compensation Potential

When factoring in base salary, bonuses, stock options, and long-term incentives, the total annual compensation for a CQO in Food & Beverage can range from $250,000 to $750,000, with top industry leaders earning even more in multinational corporations or publicly traded companies.

How to Apply

If you are a results-driven leader with expertise in quality management, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence in the Food & Beverage industry, we invite you to apply for the Chief Quality Officer (CQO) – Food & Beverage role. This is a high-impact opportunity to lead quality assurance, food safety, and continuous improvement initiatives in a dynamic and growing organization.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience in:
✔ Quality assurance and regulatory compliance
✔ Food safety and risk management strategies
✔ Process improvement and operational efficiency
✔ Leading cross-functional teams and fostering a quality-driven culture
✔ Ensuring product consistency, safety, and consumer trust

This role offers the chance to make a significant impact by shaping quality and safety policies, ensuring regulatory excellence, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Apply today to advance your career as a Chief Quality Officer (CQO) – Food & Beverage!

For more details or to explore similar leadership opportunities, visit our Food & Beverage Executive Careers Page.

Tags:

Job Category: Food & Beverage

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Indianapolis

Chief Quality Officer (CQO) – Food & Beverage – Indianapolis, IN