Flik Hospitality Group
**Salary:** 92500 to 108000
**Other Forms of Compensation:**
**What makes FLIK click**
_What makes FLIK click? Our people. The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients every day. We know how to pick them and we know how to grow them. It starts with hiring people who share our passion for food and hospitality. Once we find the right talent, we encourage, value and recognize their contributions._
_We keep our people renewed, excited and engaged by providing hands-on training and educating them about the latest trends. We give them a stake in successfully raising the bar. Our people love what they do and they love sharing their passion. Join our team and see the FLIK difference. Where a job isn't merely a job but the start of a career where you can flourish._
**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.
**Apply to Flik today!**
_Flik is a member of Compass Group USA_
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story (
**Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.**
**Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.**
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Flik maintains a drug-free workplace.
**Associates at Flik Hospitality are offered many fantastic benefits.**
+ Medical
+ Dental
+ Vision
+ Life Insurance/ AD
+ Disability Insurance
+ Retirement Plan
+ Paid Time Off
+ Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
+ Associate Shopping Program
+ Health and Wellness Programs
+ Discount Marketplace
+ Identity Theft Protection
+ Pet Insurance
+ Commuter Benefits
+ Employee Assistance Program
+ Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
+ Paid Parental Leave
+ Personal Leave
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here ( for paid time off benefits information.
**Req ID:** 1478823
Flik Hospitality Group
Shane Tirpak
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