About this role
Interested in a career that matters?
Join us as our new Senior Quality & Food Safety Program Leader
Novonesis is a dynamic global organization with a diverse portfolio of biological solutions serving markets around the world. We are seeking an experienced professional to join our growing team supporting the ongoing commitment to bettering our world with biology. The Senior Quality & Food Safety Site Program Leader will report directly to Quality Site Leadership and is responsible for oversight and leadership as it relates to Food Safety and Food Defense at the Novonesis manufacturing site in Madison, Wisconsin. The site manufactures human food products for the dairy and meat industries and dietary ingredients for the human health industry.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. The ideal candidate will have hands on experience with leading the development of Food Safety and Defense Plans (FSP, FDP), risk assessments and risk mitigations strategies as well as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans.
The candidate will have detailed knowledge regarding Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety regulations including 21CFR 117 and 21CFR 121. Further, a working knowledge of industry standards such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Food Safety System Certifications (FSSC).
Primary Responsibilities:
Subject Matter Expert and Lead for:
FSP, FDP and HACCP
Risk Analysis, Management and Mitigation
Root Cause Analysis and addressing deviations and non-conformances
Internal and external audit lead for the Madison site
Working knowledge and experience with FSSC 22000 or other GFSI-recognized scheme (e.g., SQF, BRC) and FSMA Preventive Controls, GMPs
Primary liaison between operational and quality teams ensuring
cGMP compliance
appropriate hygienic design
sanitation effectiveness
allergen control
environmental monitoring
Serves as mentor for less senior QA specialists
Requirements:
Minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent in food science, microbiology, dairy science, biotechnology, engineering or related field.
Minimum of 10 years relevant experience in regulated environments in the food industry such as dairy and dietary supplements.
Previously responsible for authoring and maintaining FSP, FDP, HACCP, Risk Management
Expert understanding of the principles of food microbiology, chemistry and engineering
Certified as a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) for human food
Location: Madison, WI (On-site)
Application deadline: April 29, 2026
Expected salary range: $100,296 - $137,907
Benefits you will enjoy:
401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution!
Minimum of 3 weeks vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time
Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance
Healthcare savings account option with generous employer contribution
Employee assistance program
Parental leave
Tuition reimbursement
All benefits begin on your first day!
Our purpose guides the way
In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we've gotten so far. And it’s how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.
Opportunities for everyone
We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.
We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.
Explore other openings
If this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career
About Novonesis
Global biosolutions company formed from the merger of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen, specializing in industrial enzymes, microorganisms, and bioscience innovation. Headquartered in Bagsvaerd, Denmark.