We are seeking a bilingual (English & Spanish) Food Safety Manager who is experienced with fresh produce commodities, farming environments, and packing facilities. A background with Primus GFS 3.2, GAP, GMP, and other certifications (like organic, kosher, etc.) would be ideal.

The hiring company grows niche produce varieties, and is a leader in their respective commodity categories. The position will work in one growing region only, with little to no travel at this time.

Position based in Southern California. For more details, contact Jennifer Mazza, jennifer@producecareers.com.

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for the execution and continuous improvement of the company’s Food Safety department. Ensuring the program and the facility are in adherence to all federal and local food safety regulations. Evaluating, verifying, and ensuring the quality and safety of all finished products, raw materials, and related processes. This position will work closely with all areas of the organization to promote understanding and compliance with the Food Safety and Quality Control Program. This role also involves managing audits with governing organizations to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Essential Functions:

• Implement, follow up, and improve the quality and food safety policies of the company.
• Planning and coordination and execution of internal audits/inspections.
• Identify and document best practices, ideas, and information relevant to quality and food safety system.
• Identify, document, and report any problems related to the quality and food safety system.
• Track and interpret statistical data relating to quality; recommend changes in standards, processes, equipment, and materials to facilitate work and maintain quality.
• Develop and deliver food safety training programs for all employees, emphasizing best practices and fostering a culture of awareness and accountability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish and maintain quality assurance processes, including product testing, monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives. Striving for zero negative food safety incidents.
• Develop and implement effective incident response protocols to address food safety incidents promptly and efficiently.
• Provides oversight of Quality and Food Safety programs and evaluates compliance through regular audits, inspections, and risk assessments.
• Hands-on experience with current schemes for PrimusGFS, Organic Certification, Kosher Certification, Gluten-free and NON-GMO certifications, among others.
• Interacts with supervisors to determine and resolve quality related issues quickly.
• Continuously improve and develop documentation and procedures related to the Food Safety and Quality Program.
• Perform product and process inspections throughout the development and production process to ensure consistent quality.
• Report to Company Management regularly regarding the competency or training status of the functionality of the Food Safety & Quality Control Program.
• Manage the Sanitation Department (day and night crew) and the associated budget.
• Planning and participation in team training and meetings and follow-up with staff as needed.
• A well-versed knowledge of HACCP, FDA Food & Quality Regulations, Environmental Monitoring Procedures, Finished Product Testing, Verification Processes, along with general Food Safety and Quality Control is required.
• Ensure product transactions are compliant with financial processes.
  May perform other duties as assigned.
• Conduct regular risk assessments of the production processes and production locations identifying potential hazards and implementing effective control measures to mitigate risks.
  

Knowledge, Skill, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university in Food Science, or Microbiology, or three to five years related experience and/or training; equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be bilingual (English/Spanish).
• In-depth knowledge of Food Safety Management in the food production industry, with a focus on fresh produce.
• Operations Management experience is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Organized and detail oriented.
• Certifications in Food Safety (e.g., Certified Food Safety Professional).
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
  

Leadership Expectations:

• Articulate a clear and compelling vision for supporting staff that aligns with the company’s mission and goals. Help the team understand the bigger picture and their integral role in achieving it.
• Lead by example in creating an employee-centric work environment that values individuals, promotes their well-being, and fosters a sense of belonging.
• Champion a culture of continuous learning to help employees achieve their full potential.
• Hold yourself accountable for results, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and driving a culture of ownership and responsibility.
• Empower leaders and employees to make informed decisions, enabling autonomy while providing guidance and support.
• Set the tone by embodying the values of dedication, hard work, and professionalism. Be a role model for the team members regarding work ethic, attitude, and commitment to excellence.
• Establish open lines of communication with staff. Encourage transparent and two-way communication, ensuring that ideas, concerns, and feedback are freely shared and acknowledged.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively, taking into consideration individual strengths and growth areas.
• Clearly define roles and responsibilities while holding team members accountable for their performance.
• Encourage a proactive approach to problem-solving. Provide guidance and support for overcoming challenges and finding innovative solutions.
• Encourage experimentation, creative thinking, and the exploration of new techniques to enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Prioritize the safety and well-being of staff. Ensure that safety protocols are followed and provide resources that support the staff’s physical and mental health.
• Hold regular team meetings, a minimum of two meetings every month.
• Provide regular and constructive feedback to staff, both individually and collectively. Offer guidance on areas of improvement and recognize achievements.
• Uphold the company’s values and code of conduct in all interactions.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards in all interactions, fostering a culture of integrity, fairness, and respect.
  
  

Physical Job Description:

Performing the duties of this job regularly involves repetitive hand movements, listening and sitting for long periods of time; involves some standing, walking, speaking, grasping, reaching, and lifting up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
This job operates in a clerical office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopies, filing and fax machines. The noise level in the work environment fluctuates from quiet to moderate noise.

 

The base salary the company may reasonably expect to pay for this role is: $75K - $105K. The actual salary for this role will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s skills and experience. Please note that base pay is one important aspect of a compelling package. The base pay range indicated here does not include any additional benefits or cash bonuses that you may be eligible for based on the role and/or employment type.

Recruiter Contact is Jennifer Mazza, jennifer@producecareers.com