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Sr. Director, Food Safety & Quality Assurance

Newport Beach, California 610 Newport Center Drive, 92660

CULTIVATE A BETTER WORLD

Food served fast does not have to be a typical fast-food experience. Chipotle has always done things differently, both in and out of our restaurants. We are changing the face of fast food, starting conversations, and directly supporting efforts to shift the future of farming and food. We hope you will join us as we continue to learn, evolve, and shape what comes next on our mission to make better food accessible to everyone.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As the Senior Director, Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) you will set the strategy and lead the execution for all FSQA responsibilities including but not limited to supplier food safety program management, , cleaning validation, quality monitoring, and research and development. This position is also responsible for ensuring that Chipotle's food traceability programs are executed such that regulatory requirements are met and product removals can be quickly executed and communicated when necessary.. This position also ensures Chipotle's Food Safety programs are accurately represented to outside regulatory agencies, industry associations, and other external partners. New Business Development  and International growth will also be supported by this position.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

  • Sets overall strategy and execution of Chipotle Mexican Grill's supplier food safety programs including supplier risk assessments, menu item risk assessments, supplier operations auditing strategy, cold chain monitoring programs, supply chain diversification, analytical and laboratory testing, and traceability.
  • Sets overall strategy and execution of onboarding supplier operations associated with new menu development including  the associated risk assessments, supplier operation audits, recipe development, monitoring after commercialization, establishing and verifying primary and secondary shelf life, establishing hot and cold holding parameters, and communication of progress to cross functional team members.
  • Sets overall strategy and execution to support supply chain diversification including new supplier and menu item risk assessments, supplier operation audits, recipe development, commercialization, quality monitoring, validating primary and secondary shelf life, , and communication of progress to cross functional team members.
  • Sets overall Traceability strategy and responsible for ensuring  Chipotle executes day to day task for farm to restaurant traceability including the capture and storage of Key Data Elements, cold chain monitoring, new supplier onboarding, and support of company initiatives that intersect with Food Traceability (RFID).
  • When necessary, this position oversees the efficient and effective execution of product removals from our Distribution Centers and Restaurants.
  • Sets overall strategy and execution of Chipotle's FSQA support as it relates to New Business Development and International growth.
  • Responsible for the capture, trending, and communication of all food safety and quality restaurant and customer feedback associated with menu items and ingredients. Using various data, establishes and communicates KPIs internally as well as for the Food Safety Advisory Council, and for Board of Directors.
  • Support Food Safety Crisis Management as needed.
  • Coordinate with Chipotle’s Restaurant and Field Food Safety teams to execute any and all activities associated with outbreak response or regulatory investigations. Responsible for drafting communication to regulatory agencies and internal executives.
  • Monitors industry best practices for quality, safety, and regulatory activities/trends that may impact Chipotle Supply Chain or restaurant operations.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE

  • M.S in Food Safety or Food Law required
  • Ph.D. in Food Safety and Food Law preferred.
  • 15+ years’ experience in food safety leadership, food manufacturing, retail, or food service.
  • 5-8 years’ supervisory experience.
  • Training, certification and experience and strong working knowledge of USDA and FDA regulations, GAPs, GMPs, Food Code, HACCP, SSOPs

PAY TRANSPARENCY

A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range for this position is $225,000-$275,000. You are also eligible for annual cash bonuses and equity awards based upon performance and other factors. Actual compensation offered may vary depending on skill level, experience, and/or education. Chipotle offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k, sick leave, vacation time, and much more.  Visit https://jobs.chipotle.com/benefits

WHO WE ARE

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle has restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. With employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit www.chipotle.com.

Chipotle Mexican Grill is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. As a people-first company rooted in values, our purpose extends beyond serving nutritious food using real ingredients. It means hiring world-class individuals and fostering a culture that champions diversity, ensures equity, and celebrates inclusion. All qualified applicants, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. 

Qualified applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state or local laws. Please contact ADAaccommodations@chipotle.comif you need an accommodation due to a disability to complete an application, job interview, and/or to otherwise participate in the hiring process. This email does not respond to non-accommodations related requests. 

Job Food Safety and Quality Job Posting 03/18/2025 Job Number JR-2025-00214925

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