Summary: The Food Safety & Sanitation Manager at BGDC Distribution is responsible for leading all food safety and sanitation programs within a high-volume distribution center supporting retail store operations.
Responsible for managing the Food Safety & Sanitation Team, which may include, but is not limited to: Supervisors, janitorial staff, and/or 3rd party sanitation teams. This position will partner closely with Quality Control, Operations, Safety, and Corporate Risk to enhance and enforce food safety standards and world class sanitation practices throughout the interior and exterior of the distribution center.
Essential Functions: - Champion a food safety-first culture aligned with BGDC operational priorities and company values. Promote a proactive culture of food safety, sanitation, compliance, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
- Support the site in the development and use of risk assessment methods and tools for anticipating, identifying, and evaluating hazards. Drive and assist with the mitigation of identified gaps, weaknesses, and improvement opportunities.
- Work with the site to develop and implement appropriate and effective corrective and preventive actions in response to assessments, audits, incidents, and other events/activities, and timely closure is properly tracked and documented.
- Actively seek out and facilitate knowledge sharing opportunities (e.g., risks, best practices, common audit findings, lessons learned); foster peer communication and interaction.
- Promote associate engagement in food safety programs, including committees, trainings, and recognition initiatives.
- Lead the site in SQF preparation and audits.
- Responsible for conducting customer audits and self-audits.
- Maintain and retain records for all areas of responsibility in compliance with company procedures.
- Develop and manage department budget and expense approvals.
- Monitor and maintain an effective pest control program.
- Communicate weekly with operations on areas that do not meet our food safety and sanitation standards.
- Set and achieve housekeeping standards that are a model of orderliness and cleanliness and meet standards and procedures for maintenance related functions.
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of food safety professionals.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve site food safety and sanitation policies, procedures, and programs.
- Partner cross-functionally with Operations and other business leaders to drive sustainable results and shared accountability.
- Build trusted relationships and influence leaders at all levels to strengthen food safety execution.
- Ensure compliance with applicable FDA, USDA, GFSI, HACCP, federal, state, and local requirements.
- Investigate food safety complaints, incidents, and regulatory concerns, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
- Maintain contingency plans and support crisis management involving food safety, sanitation, recalls, and regulatory matters.
- Any other duties as assigned, needed, or required.
Qualifications & Experience: - Bachelor's degree in Business, or related field preferred.
- 5-7+ years of progressive experience in food safety, sanitation, quality assurance, or a related field.
- Demonstrated success managing teams in a fast-paced, metrics-driven environment
- Ability to work flexible hours in a multi-shift operation
- Strong working knowledge of FDA, USDA, GFSI, HACCP, and applicable food safety regulations and standards.
- HAACP and/or PCQI Certifications preferred
- SQF Practioner preferred
- Experience working in a unionized environment
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience in grocery retail, food production, processing, distribution, or a related environment.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, develop, and motivate a professional team.
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence outcomes at every level of the organization.
- A collaborative, solutions-oriented leadership style and a record of successfully partnering across departments.
- Strong teaching and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate technical requirements into clear, practical expectations.
- Experience conducting food safety inspections, audits, risk assessments, and corrective-action follow-up.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and project-management capabilities.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to independently create and edit spreadsheets, trackers, formulas, scorecards, and management reports.
- Experience using food safety software, reporting systems, dashboards, and data to drive action.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly present findings and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Sound judgment and the ability to lead effectively during food safety incidents, recalls, and crisis situations.
Pay Range: $90,000 - $120,000 per year
