Food Safety Specialist

The purpose of this position is to design, implement and manage the food safety, quality and regulatory compliance procedures for the facility. The Food Safety Specialist ensures the facility is in compliance with all applicable Local, State and Federal Food Laws through alignment with all auditing requirements and champions continuous Food Safety and Quality Process Improvement.

Ways you will make a difference

• Creates and manages the plant QA/Food Safety technical and compliance system to ensure food safety
• Create and maintain programs and policies as needed for full certification according to the “Good Manufacturing Processes”, HAACP, and applicable GFSI scheme.
• Ensures implementation and continuity of all key traceability, inspection, program management, and microbial program metrics.
• Completes root cause analysis for product or plant events
• Manages plant Environmental Monitoring Program
• Manages and tracks plant Food Safety training to ensure 100% compliance across all departments
• Conducts Food Safety Risk Assessments to ensure conforming plant operations
• Oversees all certification programs to ensure compliance against schemes or protocols
• Develops and evolves plant Food Safety programs to ensure compliance in an ever changing environment
• Manages all third party certifications (ex. Kosher and Halal certifications)
• Works with Quality and Food Safety Manager on product innovation and ingredient changes
• Manages the internal audit program with a cross functional team
• Works with Quality and Food Safety Manager for strategic planning on program and capital needs or changes
• Manages plant validation programs for Allergen testing
• Develops, reviews and updates standard operating procedures
• Ensures adherence to all company policies and procedures.
• Manages and develops team (where applicable).

Skills that will make you successful

• Ability to give clear directions
• Demonstrated analytic, problem solving and decision-making skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in hygienic design and practices
• Knowledge of manufacturing, sanitation practices, HACCP, FSMA, GMP’s and SSOP’s.
• Strong working knowledge of continuous process improvement

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor's Degree in food science, microbiology, or other relevant degree and substantial experience in quality and food safety
• Masters or certification preferred
• Minimum 7 years of related experience
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite
• HAACP Certification
• ISO FSSC 22000 knowledge or similar