FOOD SAFETY MANAGER

The Food & Environmental Health Safety Manager will coordinate quality control, sanitation, and safe handling of food in accordance with US Department of Agriculture and FDA regulations. Responsible for continuously monitoring and adapting safety procedures and operations to ensure a safe and fully compliant work environment for all employees.

This person will also be implementing and managing all necessary QA and safety programs as required by company policy and/or applicable regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement and manage all necessary QA programs as required by company policy and/or applicable regulations. Programs include HACCP, sanitation, allergens, food defense, recall and traceability, supplier approval, incoming raw material, in-process, and outbound finished goods testing

• Write new programs and procedures as necessary to remain compliant with regulatory requirements

• Monitor operations for strict compliance with Freedom Fresh’s quality assurance and food safety policies

• Perform monthly internal inspections and handle all 3rd party and regulatory audits. Distribute results to proper supervisors and follow up with corrective actions in a timely fashion

• Manage in-house and contracted microbiological testing laboratory including protocols, supplies, and budget

• Review and provide written follow-up on customer concerns/complaints

• Resolve product quality, health, and safety issues and communicate with management on a regular basis about the status of all complaints

• Coordinate mock recalls on a semi-annual basis

• Audit the plant sanitation process. Evaluate and document the effectiveness of chemicals and procedures and communicate/follow through on corrective actions

• Manage the Pest Control program, and coordinate services with the pest control operator to ensure optimum program

• Provide technical and other assistance (i.e., new hires and refresher training) to all plant personnel as required

• Establish quality standards and protocols to ensure customer satisfaction, and implement programs to make sure product safety requirements are met

• Manage all aspects of quality assurance services in value-added processing, and specialty supplier protocols

• Supervise employees responsible for monitoring the quality, freshness, and food safety programs.

• Responsible for writing, revising, implementing, and verifying all SOPs, SSOPs, and HACCP annual programs and documents.

• Support sales and distributor’s efforts by monitoring end-user operator feedback and communicating questions and complaints to appropriate departments and troubleshooting any product quality shortcomings.

• Conduct feedback meetings with key suppliers, distributors, and end-user operators for improving the food safety and quality assurance protocols

• Ensure all employees in key areas of responsibility have the current recall; trace back protocols to ensure consistent internal & external communication

• Monitor internal, customer, and third-party food safety and quality audits, and develop action plans to address and correct any deviations

• Inspects the facility to identify safety, health, and environmental risks.

• Develops and implements inspection policies and procedures, and a schedule of routine inspections.

• Develops health and safety procedures/programs for all areas of the company.

• Inspect and verify company compliance with relevant safety regulations

• Maintain accurate and current records in accordance with guidelines

• Analyze incident reports, metrics, and injury case studies in order to institute changes that lead to a safer environment

• Prepares and schedules training to cover emergency procedures, workplace safety, and other relevant topics.

• Works with department managers to train employees on all safety procedures.

• Monitors compliance with safety procedures.

• Drafts inspection reports to document inspection findings.

• Ensures that material safety data sheets are maintained and readily accessible when needed.

• Maintains records of discharge of or employee exposure to hazardous waste and/or pollutants, as required.

• Performs other work as required or assigned

Required Skills/Abilities

• Must have the ability to read, write, and understand policies and guidelines, specifications, and safety standards
• Knowledge of fresh fruit and vegetable processing operations a plus
• Knowledge of HACCP principles and procedures
• Knowledge of food processing chemicals
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and policies.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and policies.
• Must be detail oriented and possess strong analytical skills
• Computer literate in Microsoft Office and Internet applications
• Strong leadership, management, and organizational skills
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without supervision
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• The ideal candidate will be available to work a flexible schedule to include evening and weekend hours.

Education and Experience:

• BA/BS degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or related science preferred
• A minimum of three years’ experience in the food industry related to food safety and quality control.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking.

• Physically able to continuously stand, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, twist, lift, push, pull, climb, balance, crouch, handle, and move/push/pull/lift items weighing from 50-75 lbs. safely and without difficulty.

• Able to work in temperatures of 34º- 60º F.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Schedule

• 5 days per week

• Approximately 85% Monday through Friday

• Approximately 15% working with night shift team and weekends