Food Safety Manager

Reports To:

Director of Operations

Pay: $110K-$140K, based on experience.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Food Safety Manager to lead our food safety and quality assurance programs. This position reports to the Director of Operations. The ideal candidate will have 8-10 years of experience in food manufacturing or food processing, with demonstrated expertise in implementing and maintaining food safety systems, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable food safety regulations and industry standards while fostering a culture of quality throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities:
• Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the company's Food Safety and Quality Management System.
• Serve as the primary leader for the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program and maintain SQF certification.
• Act as the designated SQF Practitioner, ensuring compliance with the latest SQF Code requirements.
• Lead internal, customer, regulatory, and third-party audits, including SQF certification audits.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA (as applicable), FSMA, GMPs, HACCP, Sanitation, and all food safety regulations.
• Develop and oversee HACCP plans, preventive controls, allergen management, environmental monitoring, and traceability programs.
• Investigate food safety and quality issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Monitor key quality metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce non-conformances and improve product quality.
• Manage supplier quality programs, ingredient approvals, and food safety documentation.
• Develop and deliver food safety and quality training programs for employees at all levels.
• Partner with Production, Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to ensure food safety is integrated into daily operations.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records to support regulatory and certification requirements.
• Stay current on changing food safety regulations, industry trends, and best practices.

Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• 8-10 years of progressive experience in Food Safety, Quality Assurance, or Quality Systems within the food manufacturing industry.
• Certified SQF Practitioner with demonstrated experience maintaining SQF certification.
• Strong working knowledge of:

- Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code

- HACCP

- FSMA Preventive Controls

- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)

- Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs)

- Food Defense and Food Fraud Programs

- Environmental Monitoring Programs
• Experience leading internal and external food safety audits.
• Thorough understanding of FDA regulations and applicable food safety standards.
• Experience conducting root cause investigations and implementing CAPA programs.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality management software.

Preferred Qualifications:
• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) Certification.
• HACCP Certification.
• ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
• Experience with GFSI-recognized certification schemes.
• Experience managing quality teams in a manufacturing environment.

Core Competencies:
• Food Safety Leadership
• Regulatory Compliance
• SQF Program Management
• Audit Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Risk Assessment
• Team Leadership and Coaching
• Root Cause Analysis
• Data Analysis and Reporting
• Cross-Functional Collaboration

Working Conditions:
• Manufacturing and production environment with routine exposure to refrigerated, wet, and noisy conditions.
• Ability to walk production floors, climb stairs, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Flexibility to support multiple shifts and occasional weekends during audits or production needs.

Benefits:
• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and certification reimbursement
• Career advancement opportunities