Food Safety Manager

OVERVIEW: The Sr. Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance will provide thought leadership and oversee all aspects of food safety and quality assurance programs across all operations. This role is pivotal in ensuring compliance with all regulatory and customer requirements, while maintaining the highest standards of product safety and quality.Responsibilities: Direct the Quality and Food Safety Regulatory (QFSR) team to ensure compliance with FDA regulations including 21 CFR 117, and other applicable regulations specifically relevant to fresh produce.Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive food safety management systems including HACCP, environmental monitoring, sanitation, pest control, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and employee training.Oversee the establishment and enforcement of quality assurance protocols across all production levels within the company.Manage compliance related to out-of-specification (OOS) results, deviations, and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) in line with industry standards for fresh produce.Supervise laboratory operations for testing quality parameters specific to fresh produce, including pesticide residues, microbial contamination, and nutritional accuracy.Maintain detailed records of food safety management, including production, laboratory activities, and administrative operations.Ensure accuracy and compliance in product specifications, packaging, and labeling to meet both regulatory and consumer standards.Lead supplier approval programs, ensuring that all suppliers meet the company's stringent standards for fresh produce safety and quality.Coordinate with environmental and public health regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with national and local regulations.Develop and manage recall policies and procedures, conducting regular mock recalls and traceability tests.Regularly report to the leadership team on product reviews, consumer inquiries, and quality audits.Promote a continuous improvement culture using methodologies such as Six Sigma and Lean to enhance quality efficiency.ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:Represent the company at industry-related conferences, workshops and other committees dealing with Food Safety and Regulatory Affairs.Support Crisis Management Team as the lead food safety matters.Support Legal compliance by validating marketing assertions, point of purchase and creative materials.Stay current with emerging food safety trends, technologies, and regulations, and actively participate in professional associations and networks.EDUCATIONEXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:Master's degree in food science, Agriculture, Microbiology, or a related field. (PhD preferred)At least 15 years of experience in the food industry, with significant exposure to fresh produce.7+ years of senior leadership experience in food safety within a fresh produce processing environment.Proven expertise in implementing food safety systems compliant with FSMA, USDA, and FDA regulations specific to fresh produce.Demonstrated ability to lead and manage comprehensive food safety and quality programs.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES:Advanced knowledge and training in quality management systems, HACCP, AIBSQF and GAP.Advanced knowledge and experience working with GFSI audit standards and experience managing food safety audits, both internal and external (third-party audits).Experience in developing and implementing food safety training programs for employees at all levels of the organization.Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and regulatory agencies.Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, as food safety issues can be time-sensitive and critical.Experience in developing and implementing food safety key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the effectiveness of food safety and quality assurance programs.Strong leadership in crisis management, including recall strategies and emergency response.Able to interact with and influence all levels of management, and lead cross functional teamsProficiency with Microsoft Office productsOTHER:Moderate travel required (25%)

Created: 2024-11-06