Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand in Denver, CO

Are you a quality-driven leader with a deep understanding of organic compliance and excellence in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry? A USDA-Certified Organic brand based in Denver, CO, is seeking a Chief Quality Officer (CQO) to oversee and elevate all aspects of product quality, regulatory compliance, and process improvement. This is a unique opportunity to lead quality assurance for a mission-driven company at the forefront of organic innovation.

Champion Quality & Compliance in a Growing Organic Brand

Join a rapidly expanding USDA-Certified Organic brand in Denver, CO, as its next Chief Quality Officer. In this pivotal role, you’ll ensure the highest quality standards across sourcing, manufacturing, and packaging while maintaining full USDA Organic and food safety compliance. Ideal candidates will bring a strong background in CPG quality leadership, a passion for organic standards, and the ability to implement systems that ensure consistent excellence and consumer trust.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand

Quality Strategy & Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive quality assurance strategy that aligns with the brand’s mission and USDA organic standards. As the Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand, you will define quality benchmarks, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and ensure alignment with regulatory, customer, and operational goals.

Regulatory Compliance & Organic Certification
Oversee all compliance activities related to USDA Organic, FDA, GMP, and other applicable regulatory bodies. Ensure rigorous adherence to certification requirements across the supply chain, proactively manage audits, and maintain up-to-date documentation and traceability systems.

Product Integrity & Food Safety
Lead efforts to safeguard product safety, consistency, and integrity from farm to shelf. Implement food safety systems such as HACCP and preventive controls, monitor ingredient sourcing and supplier compliance, and ensure final products meet the brand’s exacting quality standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with R&D, Operations, Procurement, and Marketing to integrate quality at every stage of the product lifecycle. The Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand will play a key role in product launches, label accuracy, claims validation, and process improvements.

Audit Readiness & Risk Mitigation
Maintain continuous audit readiness and lead internal/external inspections with confidence. Proactively identify potential risks across production, labeling, and sourcing, and implement corrective and preventive action plans to ensure business continuity and compliance.

Supplier & Co-Manufacturer Management
Develop and manage quality expectations for suppliers and co-manufacturing partners. Conduct audits, enforce quality agreements, and build collaborative relationships to ensure ingredient transparency, sourcing sustainability, and end-to-end quality control.

Training & Quality Culture
Establish training programs that promote awareness of organic standards, food safety practices, and quality procedures across the organization. Lead the development of a quality-first mindset, empowering all employees to uphold and exceed quality expectations.

Data-Driven Quality Improvement
Utilize analytics and KPIs to track performance, identify trends, and drive measurable improvements in product quality and customer satisfaction. Leverage technology to enhance visibility into operations and inform quality-focused decision-making.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand, the client is seeking a passionate and highly experienced quality leader who understands the intricacies of organic product integrity, regulatory compliance, and consumer trust. You should bring a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, establish best-in-class quality systems, and elevate standards across the supply chain—all while supporting the company’s mission to deliver organic excellence.

Proven Expertise in Quality Leadership within the CPG Sector

The ideal candidate will have an extensive background in leading quality assurance and control functions within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. The client is looking for someone who has implemented robust quality management systems, achieved high audit performance, and maintained strict compliance with USDA Organic, FDA, and other regulatory standards. Your experience should reflect a deep commitment to product safety, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Deep Knowledge of Organic Certification and Compliance

As the Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand, it is essential that you possess comprehensive knowledge of organic regulations and certification processes. The client values professionals who can successfully navigate USDA Organic requirements, manage complex documentation and traceability systems, and maintain audit readiness at all times. Prior experience in organic manufacturing and ingredient sourcing is highly desired.

Strategic Quality Thinking and Operational Execution

The client seeks a strategic thinker who can translate quality goals into scalable operational practices. You should be adept at assessing risks, designing preventive controls, and streamlining production processes without compromising quality. Experience in implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to improve quality performance and operational efficiency will set you apart.

Strong Leadership and Collaborative Skills

You must be an inspiring leader capable of cultivating a quality-first culture across departments. The client values your ability to mentor quality teams, collaborate with operations, R&D, procurement, and marketing, and communicate clearly across all levels of the organization. Your leadership should foster transparency, ownership, and accountability in every stage of the product lifecycle.

Consumer-Centric Quality Vision

A successful Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand must understand today’s health-conscious and values-driven consumer. Your ability to ensure product consistency, label accuracy, and high sensory quality will directly impact brand loyalty. The client is looking for a quality executive who sees the consumer perspective as central to every decision.

Commitment to Ethical Practices and Sustainability

The client places high value on candidates who champion ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and sustainable manufacturing. Your understanding of how quality and sustainability intersect in organic production is crucial to advancing the company’s mission and maintaining credibility with discerning consumers.

FAQs About the Role – Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Chief Quality Officer in this role?
As the Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand, you will lead the company’s quality assurance strategy, oversee regulatory and USDA Organic compliance, and implement food safety protocols across the supply chain. You’ll be responsible for driving continuous quality improvement, managing audits, ensuring supplier compliance, and fostering a quality-first culture that supports both operational efficiency and brand integrity.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate for the Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand should have extensive experience in quality leadership within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, with a strong understanding of USDA Organic, FDA, HACCP, and GMP standards. A background in managing quality teams, supplier audits, food safety systems, and certification processes is essential. Experience in organic manufacturing or working with certified organic supply chains is highly preferred.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client is looking for a hands-on, detail-oriented leader who can balance compliance with innovation. You should have excellent communication skills, the ability to collaborate cross-functionally, and a passion for organic integrity. The Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand should be capable of mentoring teams, solving problems proactively, and making data-driven decisions to uphold the highest quality standards.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
You may encounter challenges such as maintaining strict organic compliance across multiple suppliers, navigating evolving regulatory requirements, and managing quality risks in a dynamic production environment. As the Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand, you’ll need to stay ahead of audit demands, enforce traceability, and balance quality assurance with operational agility.

5. How does this role impact the company’s mission and growth?
This position plays a critical role in ensuring consumer trust, brand reputation, and product excellence. Your leadership will directly influence the quality of organic products, sustainability goals, and customer satisfaction. The Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand will help drive market growth by ensuring every product meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and certification.

6. What is the work environment and company culture like?
The company promotes a collaborative, purpose-driven culture rooted in organic values and transparency. As the Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand, you’ll work closely with departments like R&D, Procurement, and Operations in a fast-paced yet mission-focused environment. The organization values integrity, innovation, and a shared commitment to delivering certified organic excellence to its customers.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand based in Denver, CO, you can expect a competitive and well-rounded compensation package designed to attract seasoned professionals in quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and organic product leadership. The remuneration for this high-impact role typically includes the following components:

1. Base Salary
The base salary for a Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand will depend on experience, company size, and scope of responsibility. In a mid-to-large-sized Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) organization, you can expect an annual base salary ranging between $180,000 and $250,000. Senior candidates with significant organic compliance expertise may command even higher figures.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses
Incentive-based bonuses are a core part of this compensation package. These performance bonuses are tied to critical metrics such as product quality, audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and operational improvements. Annual bonuses can range from 20% to 40% of the base salary based on both individual performance and company-wide quality KPIs.

3. Equity & Stock Options
Depending on the company’s structure and growth stage, the Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand may be eligible for equity participation or stock options. These long-term incentives are designed to reward leaders who contribute to sustainable brand growth and product excellence, aligning your success with the company’s long-term goals.

4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Some companies offer LTIPs, profit-sharing, or deferred compensation tied to long-term quality achievements and regulatory milestones. These plans help retain top talent by rewarding continuous improvements in quality systems, product safety, and organic certification adherence over multiple years.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks
Executives in this role often receive a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

Premium health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with employer contributions or executive retirement plans
Wellness reimbursements and executive health programs
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
Paid time off and paid holidays
Business travel and conference allowances
Professional development support

6. Signing Bonus & Relocation Assistance
To attract exceptional talent, the company may offer a signing bonus and relocation assistance, especially for candidates relocating to the Denver, CO area. These one-time incentives typically range from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on experience and relocation needs.

Total Compensation Potential

When you combine base salary, bonuses, equity, and long-term incentives, the total compensation for a Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand can range from $250,000 to $400,000+ annually, depending on experience and company growth. For senior candidates with extensive USDA Organic expertise and a proven record in the CPG space, packages may exceed this range.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced quality leader with a deep understanding of USDA Organic standards and a passion for excellence in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, we encourage you to apply for the Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand based in Denver, CO. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape and lead quality initiatives for a mission-driven brand that is setting new standards in the organic space.

To apply, please submit your updated resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your experience in quality assurance, USDA Organic compliance, food safety systems, and cross-functional leadership within the CPG sector. Be sure to highlight your achievements in driving audit readiness, building quality-first cultures, and managing supplier and co-manufacturing partnerships.

This high-impact executive role offers the chance to directly influence product integrity, regulatory excellence, and customer trust. If you’re ready to elevate your career and play a pivotal role in a purpose-led organization, apply today for the position of Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand in Denver, CO.

For more details or to explore other quality and regulatory leadership roles, visit our Natural & Organic Food industry recruiters page.

Job Category: Natural & Organic Food industry

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Denver

Chief Quality Officer with a USDA-Certified Organic Brand in Denver, CO