Location: Can be primarily based in Salinas, CA; Yuma, AZ; or El Centro, CA
Travel: 65%, based on fresh produce production seasonality
Description
Mori, formerly known as Cambridge Crops, is a dynamic Series B startup leading the charge against food waste. Our mission, "More Food, Less Waste," drives our commitment to transforming the food, agriculture, and packaging industries. By harnessing the unique properties of a naturally derived silk protein, Mori pioneers an all-natural food ingredient and coating that extends the shelf life of perishable foods. With Mori Silk, we aim to revolutionize the food system by reducing reliance on plastic packaging, minimizing food and packaging waste, and enhancing efficiency across the supply chain. Our passionate team is dedicated to continuous learning and believes in our collective ability to make a positive impact on the world.
About the Role
We are seeking a results-driven, hands-on team member to partner with our produce operations team. As the foundational member of our West Coast-based Food Safety, Quality and Compliance team, you will directly report to Mori’s VP of Regulatory & Scientific Affairs. In this key role, you will take ownership of all aspects related to Fresh Produce Safety, Quality, and Compliance (FSQ) for our operations. While initially focusing on supporting Mori’s leafy greens business, this position offers the potential for expansion alongside Mori´s growth to include other produce categories.
What You Will Do
- Develop, implement and manage produce safety, quality, and compliance programs for Mori’s fresh produce operations
- Oversee the management of the safety, quality and compliance of all fresh produce operations including, but not limited to, Mori-owned warehouse locations, 3rd party logistics and warehousing partners, the application of Mori products onto leafy greens, and supporting new produce applications
- Develop a gold standard safety and quality culture for the Mori fresh produce business
- Ensure adherence to all operating procedures, encompassing timely sanitation of facilities and equipment, cold storage, transportation, warehousing, along with pre-operation sanitation checks, monitoring programs, and field applications of the Mori product
- Design and execute ad hoc projects that meet Mori´s technical and business objectives
- Consistently assess quality systems and institute or revise site-specific procedures in accordance with Mori's Corporate Quality Systems Manual as needed
- Audit facility programs and update the facility food safety plan as required by FSMA
- Maintain open communication with internal teams to ensure that all finished product specs and company processes are met at all times
- Partner with field teams on all produce safety, quality assurance, and regulatory issues
- Conduct risk assessments for new applications and customer locations/equipment and develop pertinent controls in coordination with the Technical Services Team
- Provide food safety, quality, and compliance support to ensure the successful commercial deployment of new customer applications
- Investigate produce-related customer complaints and identify and implement appropriate corrective actions and preventive measures as needed
- Review and analyze fresh produce safety, quality and compliance KPI’s and prepare periodic reports
- Maintain applicable licenses and certifications for all Mori West Coast operations
- Manage LGMA compliance for Mori applications
- Interface with external partners’ food safety and operations teams
- Ensure proper staffing, scheduling, training, delegation of duties and staff management of the department
Who You Are
- Solutions-Oriented: you approach problems and challenges proactively, collaboratively and constructively with a focus on finding practical, effective and compliant solutions that balance the needs of all stakeholders with regulatory requirements
- Growth & Impact Mindset: you seek out and enjoy new challenges that stretch you while constantly identifying ways to create value for your internal and external partners
- Integrated Thinker: you navigate ambiguity to see the big picture while simultaneously driving incremental changes with a systematic approach, blending strategic thinking with tactical execution in day-to-day operations
- Collaborative Partner: you leverage excellent communication skills across all levels and stakeholders to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal partners and external Mori customers