QUALITY ASSURANCE DIRECTOR

Job Summary

The Director of Quality Assurance will lead the development and execution of comprehensive QA programs across Kirkland & Ellis food service locations, aligning with the Compass One team approach and national hospitality standards. This position is responsible for ensuring that all food safety, regulatory, and quality requirements are met, while maintaining the distinctive Kirkland & Ellis hospitality brand. You will work closely with internal and external partners, including other operating brands, to uphold the highest standards of quality while ensuring a consistent experience across all locations under the Kirkland & Ellis platform.

This position can be based in New York City, Chicago or Los Angeles.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the creation, execution, and maintenance of food safety and quality assurance programs across all Kirkland & Ellis locations, ensuring compliance with USDA, FDA, FSMA, and corporate standards.
• Leverage the Compass One team approach to align national food safety and quality initiatives with the unique requirements of the Kirkland & Ellis brand.
• Collaborate with other Compass One operating brands, ensuring they function as facilitators while all food safety and quality assurance processes remain under the Kirkland & Ellis hospitality platform.
• Develop and maintain the Food Safety Plan, identifying areas of improvement and implementing strategies to enhance quality and safety across the portfolio.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMPs, sanitation preventive controls, supply chain preventive controls, and all other prerequisite food safety standards, according to regulatory and Kirkland & Ellis requirements.
• Oversee the Allergen Preventive Controls Program, ensuring accurate allergen labeling and prevention of cross-contact in line with Kirkland & Ellis hospitality standards.
• Manage the written recall program and ensure complete traceability of all incoming raw materials and finished products.
• Ensure accurate labeling programs for allergens, ingredients, and nutritional information, maintaining consistency with Kirkland’s brand requirements.
• Lead food safety audits conducted by government and third-party agencies, ensuring all locations are audit-ready and comply with national and portfolio standards.
• Respond to client concerns regarding food safety and quality, maintaining a focus on delivering exceptional service aligned with the Kirkland & Ellis brand experience.
• Foster effective communication across all levels, collaborating with the Corporate Executive Chef, VP of Operations, and site-level teams to maintain consistent quality and safety standards.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 6 years of direct experience in Quality Assurance and Food Safety, preferably within a multi-unit, corporate setting.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP program development, FSMA, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience managing multi-unit QA programs, ideally within a high-profile corporate or hospitality setting.
• Ability to collaborate with other operating brands within Compass One while ensuring all food safety and quality programs adhere to the Kirkland & Ellis hospitality platform.
• Serv-Safe Certification, Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCQI), and GFSI auditor certification required.
• Experience in prepared foods manufacturing or multi-site operations is a plus.
• Proven leadership in managing food safety audits and implementing traceability programs.
• Bachelor’s degree in food technology, food science, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to adapt to various software and web-based platforms.
• Ability to travel up to 75% across Kirkland & Ellis sites.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence across different teams and levels of the organization.