SPECIALIST, FOOD SAFETY

The Mark Anthony Group of Companies is one of North America's most diversified and successful private beverage companies focused on the alcohol beverage sector. Founded in 1972, the Company grew organically from a one-man wine importing business to a producer and distributor of fine wine, premium spirits, and ready-to-drink beverages, including White Claw Hard Seltzer.

Role Purpose:

The Food Safety Specialist serves as internal expert on Food Safety and it's supporting programs. This role requires high attention to detail and experience in Food Safety/HACCP to ensure the highest standards of food safety and regulatory compliance are met. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing the implementation and maintenance of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles, conducting internal audits, and providing guidance to staff on food safety protocol, including internal systems for traceability, industry trends and best practices, and current/pending legislation to support BRCGS certification. They will create, implement, and improve the brewery food safety program with an eye toward simplicity and streamlined work for self and others. They will manage and maintain critical food safety documentation, records, and action logs; reviewing this information to provide reports and recommendations to key stakeholders.

Accountabilities & Impact:

* The purpose of this role is to manage the Food Safety Program for the Columbia Facility.

Be a leader of our core values; prioritizing safety, minimizing waste, building trusting and respectful relationships, collaborating with the brewery departments and industry groups, and does the right thing in times of uncertainty.
* Develop, implement, and maintain Food Safety Plan (FSP)/HACCP plans in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
* Lead internal audits with site leadership to assess compliance with food safety standards, HACCP protocols, and company policies.
* Identify potential food safety hazards and recommend corrective actions to mitigate risks.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement food safety training programs for employees.
* Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of food safety procedures and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
* Stay current on food safety regulations, industry trends, and emerging technologies to ensure compliance and best practices.
* Act as a liaison between the organization and regulatory agencies during inspections and audits.
* Investigate food safety incidents or complaints and implement corrective actions as necessary.
* Lead monthly HACCP meetings, educating the HACCP team and leading process improvement.
* Creates internal processes to assure compliance for new product development.
* Supports Quality Management System (QMS) improvements to include FSP updates.
* Leverages knowledge of regulatory requirements, industry trends, brewery strategy, etc. to make global connections.
* Anticipates obstacles and proactively mitigates potential food safety issues brewery-wide using thorough knowledge of core products and processes.
* Effectively communicates organized, concise information to a cross-functional workforce to enable appropriate response and escalation.
* Provides routine training for employees on Food Safety, GMPs, and HACCP.
* Develops SOPs and policies as pertaining to the Food Safety Program.

Skills & Experiences Needed:

* Must be at least 21 years of age.
* Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (Food Science or Microbiology preferred) OR any combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.
* Two (2) years relevant experience supporting food safety, quality assurance, technical services, administration, or any combination of related fields required.
* Experience in food safety program management experience preferred.
* PCQI/HACCP certified required
* Auditor and/or Food Defense certification is preferred
* Experience and working knowledge of GFSI standard requirements with certification by: BRCGS, SQF, AIB, or ISO 22000
* Strong understanding of HACCP principles, food safety regulations, and industry standards.
* Experience conducting internal audits and developing corrective action plans.
* Detail-oriented and analytical, with the ability to identify and address potential food safety hazards.
* Willing to work rotating shifts, nights, and occasional weekends/holidays as necessary to address any concerns.
* Demonstrated ability to successfully manage and/or support multiple projects, ensuring timelines are met and stakeholder engagement.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment and prioritize work while multitasking.
* Solid knowledge of site processes, GMPs, and strong ability to work well with differing agendas.
* Strong technical writing and document management skills.
* Demonstrate motivation and a good work ethic under minimal supervision.
* Highly effective written and verbal presentation skills. Ability to clearly articulate requirements and gain understanding and support.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and food safety software applications.
* Bi-lingual skills a plus.

The Food Safety & HACCP Specialist position is well-suited for you if you have/are:

* Possess a can do attitude and believes anything is possible with the right focus.
* Able to work independently and roll up your sleeves to make things happen.
* High energy team player who thrives in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
* Constantly questioning the way things are done in a constructive manner and thrives on change that improves results.
* Open (no agendas), honest and trustworthy.
* Effective leadership and strategic influencing skills.
* Results oriented individual with a desire to manage change through to fruition.

Working conditions:

* Fast-paced and constantly changing work environment.
* Possible off-shift and weekend/holiday work
* Analytical Laboratory and Manufacturing Environment with potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles and hazardous chemicals; Noise level varies from quiet to loud; Temperature varies from hot to cold

At Mark Anthony, we live by our 5 Core Values every day:

Sense of Urgency

* We value sense of urgency because we are a fast-paced company in a fast-paced industry
* You act as if there is no tomorrow and get it done today

Authenticity

* We value authenticity because we need to stay real
* You are authentic, diplomatic, respectful, thoughtful and you always have the best intentions

Simplicity

* We value simplicity; why use 50 words when you can use 5?
* You thrive in ambiguity, are comfortable with change and bring simplicity to complex situations or grey area

Humility

* We value humility; there is no room for egos here
* You're not stubborn, you listen, take feedback/direction and respond quickly to changing direction. We are a team that supports each other

Trust

* We value trust because unless we are both trusted and trusting, we will not succeed as a team
* You put trust in others and do your best to never let anyone down

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