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.

Working with the FSQR Director, implements and assists with the Food, Safety, Quality and Regulatory program to ensure overall product consistency and vendor conformance to ADQ Standards.  Evaluates systems and products, analyzes data, and establishes quality control procedures to ensure IDQ products are made according to specifications and maintain their ongoing quality, consistency, value and safety for both franchisees and consumers. Mitigates food safety risk for assigned products.  Assists with and leads programs as assigned.

Acts as a positive, solutions-oriented, contributing team member.   Must demonstrate the ability to solve complex problems, anticipate project needs and recommend next steps.

Key Accountabilities:

• Product Category Lead - Food Safety and Quality:                        Oversees the food safety, quality and regulatory aspects of DQ products ranging from, but not limited to, vendor and product qualification, onboarding, compliance, plant inspections, food safety and risk mitigation and relationship management.
• Works with product development and vendor to establish appropriate quality and food safety specifications, reviews specification documents, creates and performs product evaluations and monitors QC data from supplier.
• Completes shelf-life extensions.
• Collaborates to create and maintain HACCP flow charts and develops, alongside Operations, the appropriate restaurant food safety procedures with support from supervisor.
• Issue resolution: Monitors, manages and communicates quality and food safety issues with supervisor (complaint response, holds, withdrawals, recalls, guest incidents).  Works with vendors on root cause analysis and corrective actions. 
• Works with trends and applies technical knowledge and skills to help solve problems, develop corrective actions for on-going supplier quality issues related to product manufacturing and quality control with supervisor. 
• Develops technical expertise and becomes the subject matter expert for products within category.  Uses scientific methods in problem solving and reports and reviews project results to supervisor and appropriate internal team members.
• Partners with and provides relevant input to Product Development during development and test phase. Takes a vested interest in the success of new and core products.    

Relationship Building and Communication:

• Participates in positive cross functional (within IDQ) and external relationships (suppliers, government, industry associations, industry leaders) that maintain department strategies that align with the evolving business. 
• Works effectively with franchisees by building relationships and communication.
• Identifies situations that warrant communication and promptly and effectively communicates to FSQR Director or other team members.

Programs as assigned:

• Identifies, recommends and implements improvements to processes, including cross-functionally.
• Various projects, as assigned.
• Evaluates food, treat and/or packaging items as needed. Reviews results and compares to product specification to ensure product wholesomeness, integrity and compliance to standards.                                                                               

Education & Skills:

• B.S. Degree in food science or closely related field.
• 2-3 years of related experience.
• Experience in quality management and food safety preferred.
• With guidance, deliver constructive feedback to suppliers or internal personnel in a coaching manner and maintaining steady direction yielding right results quickly.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple, complex projects and responsibilities in a fast-changing and deadline-driven environment.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills; able to articulate technical information to a variety of audiences.
• Relationship building skills with the ability to create mutually beneficial relationships with both internal and external clients.
• Knowledge of current industry and technical issues associated with food safety, nutrition, public health, environment and animal rights.
• Demonstrated and applied knowledge of safety, microbiology, HACCP/HARPC, FDA, USDA, GMP and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to apply sound technical principles to root cause analyses, problem solving and project management. 
• Ability to organize collection of data, review information and capture conclusions.  knowledge of quality and associated statistics.
• Works full-on with positive energy and accountability.  Take initiative and ensures closure.
• Ability to influence through logic, technical credibility and by turning complex issues into easy-to-understand steps and work plans.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external clients.
• Ability to work quickly in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
• Working on a personal computer or test kitchen for extended periods of time. Ability to work occasionally on evenings and weekends, as necessary to meet project deadlines.
• Ability to travel up to 20%

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

Benefits

Benefit package includes medical, dental and vision insurance coverage, employer paid basic life insurance, short and long-term disability, paid sick and vacation, 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, wellness challenges and more!

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.