Food Safety & QA Program Manager

Purpose

The Food Safety and Quality Assurance Program Manager will oversee and manage company-wide food safety and quality assurance programs and lead the development of new standard operating procedures for the distribution centers (DC) and support the development of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with global food safety initiatives and all applicable regulations: FDA, USDA and State. The key deliverables for this position include, working closely with DC leaders to ensure proper implementation of food safety & quality programs, compliance with good distribution practices, FSMA & USDA Rules. Working and engaging with cross functional team members, managing regulatory 3^rd party certification compliance, and setting guidelines for compliance with all company standards, policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support the execution and implementation of the food safety and quality programs (QMS), and drive actions to completion.
• Develop HACCP, food safety plans and training programs to ensure compliance with requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act, including programs to train Preventative Controls Qualified Individuals.
• Lead the creation of programs, polices, and procedures assuring those are implemented throughout the entire Save A Lot network.
• Verify and validate that the DC processes & practices comply with regulatory requirements.
• Lead gap assessment and implementation plans for new SOPs within the DC.
• In collaboration with the DC Team, develop, update or change SOPs.
• Continuously improve activities to establish a strong food safety & quality culture.
• Serve as a key resource for DC team members handling inspections from regulatory agencies and third-party auditors.
• Collaborate with DC, Supply Chain and Merchandising leaders, resolving all potential food safety and quality issues and concerns, especially regarding deficiencies identified by auditors and regulators; oversee corrective actions whenever necessary.
• Assist DC teams in developing food defense plans, and strategies to combat intentional and economically motivated adulteration, of products.
• Coordinate annual HACCP & Food Safety plan review including verification & validation activities.
• Create, implement and monitor key performance indicators and metrics.
• Lead mock recalls and business interruption tests for the DC.
• Coordinate/facilitate appropriate corrective and preventive actions for DC.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Food Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Food Safety, Animal Science, or related science-based field. Advanced degree preferred.  
• 5-7 years of experience in a food manufacturing, warehouse or distribution environment, managing quality and food safety program required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading complex programs with multiple interfaces.  
• Experience with and/or proficiency in FSMA and how they apply to food processing/supply chain; familiarity with the operation and implementation of HACCP, SSOPs, CGMPs and related food safety standards.
• Expert understanding of food safety, quality assurance, GMPs, preventive controls and food regulations.
• Certified HACCP Trainer.
• Experience with leading and driving continuous improvement programs with actual results.
• Experience with performing food safety & quality audit, food safety risk assessment, developing & managing KPI’s.
• Strong leadership capabilities and interpersonal skills; must be able to develop and lead teams.
• Strong analytical skills required for data interpretation, analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize, identify areas of greatest risk and immediate need.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills; ability to write reports, draft standards, SOPs, and policies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel up to ~25% of the time, which may include weekends and evenings, as needed
• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled environment
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment during a normal workday
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in completion of job duties

Competencies

• Communicates with Influence: Influencing others to gain support and commitment

• Plans & Aligns: Plans and delegates work to meet Save A Lot commitments and goals
• Drives Results: Pushes self to achieve goals and results

• Ensures Accountability: Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments