Position Summary

Reporting to Corporate Food Safety & Quality Leadership, the Corporate Food Safety & Quality Manager will provide support, direction and oversight to the Food Safety, Quality and Sanitation programs and team members in a designated production facility(s). Position will ensure compliance to FDA rules, regulations and guidelines for compliance to the Food Safety Modernization Act, and USDA rules and regulations. This position will also ensure corporate compliance and continuous improvement with FSSC 22000 including food safety and sanitation prerequisite programs, manufacturing, HACCP, customer requirements and other quality, food safety and sanitation programs as necessary to support the business.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed, as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, modify and facilitate implementation of prevention-based food safety and sanitation policies and programs across the supply chain including on-going monitoring and support of the programs.

• Ensure self-monitoring and audit systems are utilized and strategically positioned to drive continuous improvement.

• Provide guidance and support for GFSI system implementation, compliance and continuous improvement. This includes development of level I and II documents.

• Conduct internal audits of company owned processing plants.

• Drive continuous food safety, sanitation and quality improvements with the assigned production plant.

• Support manufacturing facilities with regulatory and customer inspections and requests by FDA, State Health Departments and customers.

• Assess suppliers for compliance with company standards. Screen, audit and qualify food safety & quality systems and monitor supplier performance. Ensure compliance with company standards as well as root cause analysis, corrective actions and improvement plan completion.

• Develop, track, trend and report food safety metrics to drive improvement and business growth.

• Contribute to business success by connecting food safety goals directly to the business through collaboration with the business management, innovations, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.

• Collaborate with all supply chain partners to drive successful product development and innovation.

• Assist with electronic data base systems development, implementation, and management of food safety programs such as Safety Chain.

Leadership

• Key point of contact for FDA, other regulatory agencies and customers regarding food safety, quality and sanitation.

• Be a visible leader for the corporate the Corporate Food Safety and Quality team

• Support plant operations or other functions as required

• Communicate key QA/Compliance/Customer issues throughout Supply Chain with a root cause analysis, corrective actions and preventative actions.

• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience with Food Safety Management Systems, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points ( HACCP), including Pre- Requisite programs and Good Agricultural Practices.

• Experience with North American food regulations and handling of regulatory inspections

• Experience with food safety related systems / programs to proactively address potential risks across the supply chain (e.g. environmental monitoring, pathogen sampling programs)

• Experience supporting Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards.

• Demonstrated knowledge of utilizing statistical tools for problem solving, data analysis and decision making. Working knowledge of and experience in applying Statistical Process Control.

• Ability and experience with electronic data base systems.

• Proven analytical skills and the ability to set and achieve goals.

• Ability to prioritize duties in a changing environment and still meet business objectives.

• Ability to influence at all levels of the organization and across all functions.

• Ability to communicate well both written and verbal form.

• Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.

• Bilingual English/Spanish or other languages a plus.

• Proven analytical skills resulting in decision making that protects the customer, consumer and the brand

• Demonstrated ability to develop people, teams, and oneself through innovative means

• Ability to influence at all levels of the organization and across all functions

• Ability to prioritize duties in a changing environment and still meet business objectives

• Strong English verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to present well in both written and verbal form, in both small team and large public venues

• Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Ability to develop and adhere to department budget

Travel

• Some travel is expected for this position 25-33%

Required Education and Experience

• S. degree in Microbiology, Food Science or related field. MS or PhD preferred.

• 4+ years' experience in managing food safety, sanitation and quality programs

• Experience in food manufacturing and/or distribution required

• Agricultural or fresh produce experience is desired