Become a Leader in Food Safety: FDA Office Director Opportunity

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently seeking a highly skilled and strategic leader to serve as the Office Director for the Office of Quality Assessment and Management (OQAM) within the Human Foods Program. This is a high-impact, executive-level role dedicated to ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of the nation's food supply. If you possess a background in health sciences, quality assurance, and organizational management, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity to influence public health policy on a national scale.

Job Responsibilities

The OQAM Office Director is responsible for leading the quality initiative for the HFP. Key responsibilities include:

Serving as the principal scientific and policy advisor to the Deputy Commissioner for Food.
Managing Quality Assessment and Quality Management staffs to ensure organizational goals are met.
Implementing evidence-based quality assurance strategies aligned with public health outcomes.
Assessing processes and identifying inefficiencies through GMP and HACCP methodologies.
Overseeing ISO accreditation requirements and strategic quality planning.

Comparison: Standard vs. Title 21 Hiring

Feature	Standard Federal Hiring	Title 21 Hiring
Process	Traditional Ranking	Streamlined
Speed	Slower	Accelerated
Preference	Veterans Preference	N/A (Based on Merit/Expertise)
Focus	Competitive Service	Specialized Technical Talent

Requirements

To be successful, candidates must meet specific technical qualifications by July 30, 2026. This includes at least 5 years of leadership experience in quality management and a degree in a relevant medical or health science field. Because this position involves high-level policy influence, candidates must also be prepared to undergo a rigorous security investigation and adhere to strict financial disclosure regulations to prevent conflicts of interest.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $213,491 to $340,795 per year. Beyond the salary, the FDA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package. Furthermore, based on funding, the agency may authorize recruitment or relocation incentives for the right candidate.

Application Tips

Focus on Achievements: Your resume should clearly highlight your past successes in quality management, focusing on metrics and concrete outcomes.
Transcript Accuracy: Always upload official or clear copies of your transcripts; failure to do so will result in an immediate disqualification.
Ethics Awareness: Research the FDA's prohibited financial interest regulations before applying to ensure you are comfortable with the disclosure requirements.

This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety and wellness of all Americans. If you are an experienced leader ready to shape the future of food safety, we encourage you to submit your application by the deadline.

Why This Office Director, Office Of Quality Assessment And Management Job Matters

Lead the future of food safety and public health as an Office Director within the FDA's Human Foods Program.

Office Director, Office Of Quality Assessment And Management Job Overview

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking a visionary leader for the role of Office Director, Office of Quality Assessment and Management (OQAM). In this pivotal leadership position, you will spearhead quality initiatives, drive continuous improvement, and ensure that scientific and regulatory policies remain at the forefront of public health protection. This high-level position offers the unique opportunity to shape the quality culture of the Human Foods Program, utilizing cutting-edge methodologies to enhance food safety systems across the nation.

Requirements for Office Director, Office Of Quality Assessment And Management

U.S. Citizenship or status as a U.S. National.
Minimum of 5 years of experience leading teams in quality management and assurance.
Demonstrated success in building a quality culture focused on continuous improvement.
Ability to analyze business processes and identify effective corrective actions.
Expertise in developing internal and external strategic alliances.
Bachelor's or graduate degree in a field related to medical, health, or allied sciences.
Must pass a comprehensive security background investigation.
Compliance with FDA prohibited financial interest regulations (requires potential divestiture).
Mandatory submission of official or unofficial transcripts.

Preferred Qualifications for Office Director, Office Of Quality Assessment And Management

Experience with advanced technology solutions, including AI and automation for operations optimization.
Proven track record in communicating highly technical information to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated executive-level leadership experience within a complex organization.
Expertise in ISO accreditation standards, GMP, and HACCP principles.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary package.
✓Opportunities for professional growth within a mission-driven environment.
✓Telework options available at supervisor discretion.
✓Access to Federal employee benefits and comprehensive health programs.
✓Potential for relocation or recruitment incentives subject to funding availability.

💡 How to Apply Office Director, Office Of Quality Assessment And Management Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Office Director, Office Of Quality Assessment And Management Job

Log in to your account at Login.gov.
Prepare a two-page resume clearly detailing your work experience, salary history, and education.
Gather your transcripts and any required supporting documentation.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire on the USA Staffing system.
Submit your application and all required documents by the deadline of 07/30/2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly follows the two-page limit and includes specific details such as hours worked per week and salary per position.
Check for security settings on electronic transcripts that might prevent the system from reading them; consider uploading a scanned copy of a printed version.
Review the FDA Ethics webpage early in the process to understand financial disclosure requirements.
Submit your application well in advance of the deadline to avoid potential technical issues.
Reference the Vacancy Identification Number 12971983 when contacting the Help Desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, the position is based in College Park, Maryland. While telework may be available at the discretion of your supervisor, it is not a fully remote position.

What is Title 21 hiring authority?

Title 21 is a streamlined hiring authority used by the FDA, as amended by the 21st Century Cures Act, designed to help the agency recruit highly qualified candidates for critical scientific and technical roles efficiently.

Will I have to sell my financial assets?

This position is subject to strict financial conflict of interest regulations. You may be required to divest specific financial interests that conflict with the FDA's regulatory mission.

What is the work location?

The position is located in College Park, MD.

Is there a drug test?

Yes, finalists must submit to a urinalysis drug test prior to appointment.

Job from Food And Drug Administration

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the FDA, serves as the cornerstone for protecting the health of every American. The Human Foods Program (HFP) is at the heart of this mission, focusing on science-based approaches to prevent foodborne illness and reduce diet-related chronic diseases. As an Office Director, you will work within an agency committed to science, integrity, and consumer safety.