A well established and growing fresh produce company seeks a Director of Food Safety for its processing division. This key role will lead the Food Safety and Compliance team to ensure the safety and quality of all food products.

The Director of Food Safety is responsible for the Maintenance and Coordination of all food safety programs and serve as the company’s primary liaison with regulatory authorities and Third-Party Audits. The Director of Food Safety provides technical expertise and management skills to administer the corporate strategy for: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Preventive Controls for Human Foods and other Federal and State regulations that pertain to outside suppliers of raw product as well as processing and cooling facilities.

Position is based in the greater Central Coast area of California with travel to Arizona.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and maintenance of the Food Safety/HACCP plan including
  evaluation of risks, identification of preventive controls and critical control points,
  and SOPs that implement the programs.
• Oversight for outside growers’ audits who supply raw product for processing
  operations as well as outside suppliers of field packed and purchased products.
• Leads all required 3rd Party Audits.
• Serves as Recall Coordinator and Lead for Mock Recalls
• Lead for Organic Certification including technical and regulatory review of organic
  production at field and processing level, inspection reports and related compliance
  documents.
• Enforce all GMP, GAP and HACCP Food Safety Programs to ensure Federal and State
  agency compliance.
• Travel to co-packer locations to perform inspections and accurately report findings.
• Travel to customer/supplier locations to attend meetings.
• Participate in facility upgrades and changes to ensure all food safety requirements
  are satisfied.
• Participate in customer plant tours.
• Coordinate and support Continuous Improvement activities.
• On call 365/24/7.
  

Requirements:

• BS in Food Safety, Food Science, Microbiology, or related field. MS preferred.
• At least 5 years relevant experience in produce safety, with at least 2 years in a
  supervisory position
• Successful completion of FSPCA PCQI training. HACCP, PSA grower training, and
  FSVP training preferred.
• Knowledge of state/federal food safety guidelines, Food Safety Modernization Act
  (FSMA), LGMA, GAPs, GMPs, HACCP in addition to USDA/FDA guidelines as they
  relate to the fresh produce industry is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communications.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft O^ice 365, Famous ERP, and Heavy
  Connect
• Bilingual Spanish fluency preferred.
• "Can do" attitude, natural curiosity, and internally motivated.
  

 

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 the total compensation package. The base salary range is expected to be in the $100K - $160K range, but can differ for candidates who are an exceptional fit for the position. The base pay range indicated here does not include any additional benefits or cash bonuses that may be eligible for the position. The company has a very strong health care package for employee and family.

For more information, contact D.J. at djs@producecareers.com

Compensation: $100,000 - $170,000 *