MGR, QUALITY ASSURANCE - MGR, QUALITY ASSURANCE - Merck-Rahway NJ

Job Summary

Director of Operational Excellence – FLIK Hospitality Group (Merck Account)
Position Summary
The Director of Operational Excellence serves as the primary steward of food, service & quality standards across all FLIK-managed Merck locations. This role ensures full compliance with Merck, Compass Group, and requirements, maintaining a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. The Director of Operational Excellence will oversee Service and food programs, manage internal audits, and partner closely with operations, culinary, and client representatives to ensure all dining and catering operations meet or exceed expectations.

Key Responsibilities
Food Safety, Compliance & Documentation
•    Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive QA program across all Merck campuses (e.g., Rahway, West Point, Upper Gwynedd, Boston, Durham, Wilson, South San Francisco, Dakin House, Canada).
•    Ensure strict compliance with FDA, USDA, Compass Group, and local Board of Health requirements.
•    Oversee HACCP documentation and verification through the Plumsense platform, ensuring all logs, temperature records, and corrective actions are completed accurately and on time.
•    Maintain and update QA documentation for client review, including site-specific compliance reports and inspection summaries.
•    Support the Merck CLC operations with HACCP-approved menu processes and full product traceability through approved vendors and recipe specifications.
Audit & Verification
•    Conduct scheduled and unannounced QA audits across all café, catering, and conference operations, including storage, prep, and service areas.
•    Partner with Merck EHS and Board of Health representatives during inspections to ensure prompt corrective actions and transparent communication.
•    Lead quarterly site-level verification reviews aligned with KPI reporting and SLA requirements.

Training & Continuous Improvement
•    Develop and deliver ongoing training for management and hourly associates on ServSafe, HACCP, sanitation, allergen awareness, and proper food handling.
•    Reinforce daily operational standards through pre-shift huddles, spot checks, and one-on-one coaching.
•    Partner with site leadership to drive a proactive approach to safety and quality—reducing reactive incidents and improving audit scores.

Product Quality & Vendor Assurance
•    Verify that all incoming food and beverage products meet approved vendor and Merck specifications.
•    Participate in menu reviews and new product introductions to ensure compliance with allergen, nutritional, and labeling requirements.

Client Engagement & Reporting
•    Serve as the QA liaison between FLIK Hospitality and Merck client leadership, providing transparency and proactive updates.
•    Prepare monthly and quarterly QA performance summaries for internal and client review.
•    Partner with the FLIK leadership team to support KPI documentation, audit results, and compliance reports within the Service Level Agreement (SLA) framework.

Qualifications
•    Education & Experience
•    Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Microbiology, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
•    Minimum of 5 years of experience in Quality Assurance or Food Safety management within a multi-site foodservice, healthcare, or corporate dining environment.
•    HACCP Certification recognized through the International HACCP Alliance – required.
•    ServSafe Manager Certification – required.
•    Experience with Compass Group QA systems (e.g., Plumsense, Eatec, iAuditor, SafetyCulture) preferred.
•    Skills & Competencies
•    In-depth understanding of HACCP principles, FDA Food Code, GMPs, and SSOPs.