Director, FSQA Americas

The Director of FSQA Americas leads the development, execution, and continuous improvement of Pizza Hut’s Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) systems across the US, Latin America, and Canada. This individual also serves as a technical expert within the global supply chain environment, providing deep subject matter expertise in food safety, quality systems, and regulatory compliance. The role is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, strengthening food safety culture, and delivering best-in-class product quality across the end-to-end supply chain. Through strong cross-functional leadership and partnership with franchisees, suppliers, and global/regional Centers of Excellence, this role drives alignment, enhances risk-based decision making, and ensures scalable, data-driven FSQA programs that protect the brand and enable sustainable growth. FSMS Management & Product Quality - Americas Lead and manage Pizza Hut’s Food Safety Management System (FSMS), including policies, standards, audit requirements, and governance frameworks across the America Center of Excellence. Own the PH FSQA strategy for the Americas Center of Excellence, translating US and regional priorities into a clear multi-year roadmap. Serve as Food Safety Team Lead for Supply Chain Risk Management Strategy Ensure full compliance with local regulatory requirements while proactively anticipating regulatory changes. Develop and Implement product quality toolbox, including: Product Cuttings, Quality Audits Ingredient specifications and product standards Product complaints from restaurants Lead supplier quality management, including: Supplier approval, auditing, and performance management Alternate vendor development and cost optimization initiatives Ensure end-to-end supply chain integration of FSQA (procurement → manufacturing → distribution). Drive execution of FSMS across GFM franchise partners, ensuring accountability and performance. Establish and participate in FSQA governance forums (e.g., Food Safety Council, Franchisee Councils) to drive alignment and decision-making. Ensure crisis management readiness, including scenario planning, simulation, and rapid response capability. Measurement, Reporting & Risk Management Define and own FSQA KPIs and performance metrics for assigned region, ensuring alignment with global and regional standards. Partner with Pizza Hut Data Analysis to ensure data-driven food safety risk programs are developed, including: Development of predictive risk models Use of dashboards and digital tools for real-time monitoring Monitor and drive continuous improvement in: Food Safety performance Supplier performance Product quality metrics Provide regular reporting and insights to: Regional and global leadership Brand leadership teams Drive continuous improvement and benchmarking against industry best practices. Systems, Digital & Analytics Drive adoption, implementation, and optimization of US FSQA systems and platforms. Oversee supplier auditing systems and ensure effective reporting mechanisms. Utilize advanced analytics and data insights to proactively identify risks and inform business decisions. Provide structured feedback to global and regional teams to improve system functionality and usability. Ensure end-to-end traceability systems are robust, reliable, and audit-ready. Stakeholder Leadership & External Engagement Act as the primary FSQA leader for the US, LAC and Canada, influencing across: Regional Business Unit Supply Chain Operations Quality Regulatory Affairs Partner with: Global COE on standards, policies, and audits Regional COE on execution, performance, and escalations Franchise partners on compliance and continuous improvement Influence suppliers to adopt and exceed FSQA standards through strong governance and performance management. Represent the company with regulatory authorities and industry bodies, shaping food safety standards and policies. Build external partnerships to strengthen food safety leadership and brand reputation. Lead cross-functional alignment to embed food safety into all business processes. Crisis Management & Brand Protection Serve as a team member during high-risk events, ensuring rapid, effective response. Protect brand reputation through proactive risk identification and mitigation strategies. Conduct crisis simulations and stress-testing to ensure organizational readiness. Ensure clear communication protocols during incidents across internal and external stakeholders. Financial & Business Impact Own FSQA-related financial performance, including: Cost of quality Waste reduction Supplier efficiency Support Annual Operating Plan (AOP) with clearly defined FSQA priorities and ROI-driven initiatives. Balance food safety excellence with cost efficiency and supply continuity. Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities through supplier and process improvements. People Capability & Talent Development Build and lead a high-performing FSQA organization in PH. Ensure teams have the skills, tools, and resources required to execute FSMS effectively. Drive training and capability building for: Franchise (FZ) teams Suppliers Internal stakeholders Develop and execute talent strategy, including succession planning and leadership development. Provide SME leadership in food safety, including incident and crisis management. Identify resource gaps and associated risks, ensuring proactive mitigation. Build a strong food safety culture across the organization and franchise network. Innovation, Transformation & Continuous Improvement Drive innovation in FSQA systems, processes, and supply chain practices. Lead transformation initiatives to modernize food safety and quality capabilities. Benchmark against industry leaders (e.g., McDonald’s, global QSRs) and implement best-in-class practices. Embed a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. Bachelor’s degree required: Food Science, Microbiology, Public Health, or related field 10+ years of experience in Food Safety, Quality Assurance, or related field within a multinational food or QSR environment Deep expertise in Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), HACCP, GFSI-recognized standards, supplier quality assurance, food regulations, and crisis/incident management. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across complex and geographically diverse environments. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks, interpret technical data, and make sound business decisions. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Demonstrated success managing audits, regulatory inspections, corrective action programs, and supplier performance improvement initiatives. Salary Range: $164,500 - $193,600 annually + bonus eligibility and stock-based compensation. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider the successful candidate’s location, experience, and other job-related factors.