Kroger

Sr. Food Safety & Quality Specialist - Fresh Kitchens

Kroger • $85K — $102K *
Food & Beverages
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in food science or related field
  • 6+ years of food manufacturing and safety experience
  • HACCP certification
  • Experience with SQF or GFSI implementation
  • FDA Preventive Controls Training certification
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead development of corporate food safety policies and training programs
  • Guide manufacturing facilities in food safety and quality plan validation
  • Direct efforts for SQF certification alignment
  • Stay updated on regulatory changes and adapt strategies
  • Analyze customer feedback to resolve systemic quality issues
  • Drive continuous improvement with Lean/Six Sigma methodologies

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage
  • Flexible scheduling and paid time off including holidays
  • Free counseling and financial planning support
  • Discounts on food, travel, and technology purchases
  • Tuition reimbursement up to $21,000 throughout your career
  • Opportunities for growth through training programs
Full Job Description
Job Description

Leads the development and oversight of Kroger's corporate food safety and quality systems. Guides manufacturing facilities in implementing and validating food safety plans, ensures SQF certification, and drives resolution of systemic product quality issues. Oversees supplier compliance, monitors regulatory changes, and leads cross-functional initiatives to improve food safety performance. Supervises and coaches direct reports while contributing to strategic planning and continuous improvement across the network. Demonstrates the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and strategic oversight of corporate food safety policies, procedures, and training programs
  • Guide manufacturing facilities in designing, improving and validating food safety and quality plans across all manufacturing processes
  • Direct efforts to implement and sustain SQF certification, ensuring alignment with Kroger's standards and regulatory requirements
  • Evaluate and validate changes to food safety plans that impact product safety and quality across the network
  • Stay current with regulatory developments and proactively adapt corporate strategies to maintain compliance
  • Analyze customer feedback trends and lead cross-functional initiatives to resolve systemic product quality issues
  • Drive continuous improvement using advanced Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, including SPC and root cause analysis
  • Lead strategic planning efforts to enhance quality programs and influence future initiatives
  • Provide independent coaching and direction to plan operations on quality systems and issue resolution
  • Oversee corrective action processes to ensure sustainable solutions and prevent reoccurrence
  • Monitor and support supplier food safety compliance of Kroger corporate brand suppliers
  • Supervise and coach direct reports in the completion of their duties
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation


Qualifications

Minimum
  • Bachelor's degree in food science, dairy science, bakery science, food microbiology or related field
  • 6+ years of progressive food manufacturing, food safety and quality experience
  • HACCP certification
  • SQF and/or GFSI implementation experience
  • FDA Preventive Controls Training (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual
  • Demonstrated knowledge and implementation of regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA, PMO)
  • Proven application of regulatory requirements and guidance into plant policies
  • Involvement in food safety, quality and/or regulatory focused professional organizations
  • Strong facilitation and training skills
  • Advanced Microsoft Office skills
  • Strong critical thinking skills and attention to detail
  • Demonstrated excellence in project planning, problem solving and execution
  • Proven leadership skills: coaching and developing leaders and associates
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with frontline employees, peers and executives
  • Ability to drive positive change in processes, systems and culture
  • Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and Lean/Six Sigma
  • Proficient with product lifecycle management systems, quality systems such as InfinityQS and SharePoint


Desired
  • 8+ years of progressive experience in food safety and quality assurance
  • Specialized knowledge/experience in food safety programs such as pest management, sanitation, GMPs, policy writing, chemical hazards
  • Varied knowledge of multiple food categories, including dairy, bakery, etc.
  • Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher
  • Lead Auditor certification and/or experience


What you'll receive from us:

The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well-Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:
  • A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
  • Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.
  • Emotional and financial support with free counseling through our Employee Assistance Program and free, confidential financial tools and coaching with Goldman Sachs Ayco.
  • Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.
  • Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career, through our industry-leading Continuing Education program.
  • Vast potential for growth, through an abundance of industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways.

About Kroger

Kroger serves customers and the community, how we innovate, and who we hire.

Kroger Careers

Joining Kroger means becoming part of a historic company committed to transforming the grocery industry. As one of America's largest retailers, Kroger offers unparalleled job opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation, leadership, and diversity.

Work You'll Do

At Kroger, every position contributes to our mission of feeding the human spirit. We are looking for professionals who are eager to drive change and master their career journey through various employment paths, from in-store roles to corporate positions.

Innovate and Lead

Embrace the chance to be at the forefront of industry innovation with Kroger. Our team is dedicated to implementing sustainable practices and technologies that enhance customer experience and community well-being. Your skills in leadership and innovation will find a nurturing home here, pushing the boundaries of what a grocery company can achieve.

Grow with Us

Kroger is not just a company; it's a place where you can grow. We invest in our team's growth through comprehensive training programs, leadership development, and opportunities for advancement. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our culture, ensuring every team member can thrive.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our team at Kroger is diverse, skilled, and driven—united by a shared commitment to our customers and each other. Working here, you'll engage in meaningful work that directly impacts communities, supported by a network of colleagues who are as passionate about their careers as you are.

Internship and Training Opportunities

Start your professional journey with Kroger through our internship programs or dive into our diversity training initiatives that prepare you for a long-term career with us. These programs are designed to enhance your skills and ensure you are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Benefits That Matter

Kroger offers a competitive benefits package that supports the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From healthcare to retirement plans, we provide the benefits you need to secure your future.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you're starting your career or looking to make a change, Kroger offers positions that match your skills and interests. From part-time jobs to full-time careers, our hiring process is designed to find the best fit for both you and our company.

Stay Connected

Join our team and stay connected with the latest in career opportunities and company news. Network with professionals across the company and industry, gaining insider perspectives that can help propel your career forward.

Search Kroger Jobs

Ready to take the next step in your career? Search open positions at Kroger, tailor your resume, and prepare for an interview that could lead to your next professional adventure. We're excited to see how your talents can help shape the future of Kroger.

Keep Up to Date

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Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Kroger. Join Kroger, where your career is nurtured, your innovation is valued, and your growth is guaranteed.
Learn more about Kroger
Size
420,000 employees
Market Cap
$32.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.5 billion
Founded
1883
5 Year Trend
+3.6%
Revenue
$132.4 billion
NASDAQ

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