Our client is a Salinas Valley grower/packer/shipper who has invested in their continued growth over the last two decades. This family run company markets several commodities in addition to leafy greens and wet veg. They believe in family first and working as a team.
This is a dynamic opportunity for the right person to take the food safety program to the next level. We need a confident leader to join this family run organization developing and building upon the successful growth they have established. We‘ re not looking for a “bad cop". To be successful here you will need to leave your ego at the door and be an advocate for food safety. You will educate your colleagues and team members covering all bases, from field to fork. When you join this team, you will lead all food safety efforts internally and externally.This is a key leadership role that will provide the ability to work entrepreneurially with the support of the team.
When you are working for this company you will come to a beautiful office setting everyday where you will be treated like family. You will have a voice in the company and be able to share ideas. In addition to working independently, you will have resources to help support you. They have an excellent benefits package including matching 401K.
This role is based out of Salinas, CA reports to the General Manager/COO and will require seasonal travel.
Program Management
- Responsible for the development, execution, enforcement, and monitoring of an annual business plan of robust policies, programs, budget, and criteria for success in meeting company goals in food safety. The plan must provide a high level of education, interaction and coordination with growers, vendors, customers, other business partners, management, and employees.
- Develops, implements, and manages all standards for company SOPs, HACCP, GAPs, GMPs, Crisis Response Plans and other relevant food safety program documentation requirements.
- Develops a continuous training program for staff and affiliated departments to develop back up
- skills, observation and reporting of potential food safety concerns and other topics relevant to the work assignments (i.e., Production, Coolers, etc.).
- Provide comprehensive and ongoing food safety and regulatory training for managers, employees, growers, contractors, and other applicable vendors/suppliers.
- Develops an IFS scorecard to measure program progress, success, and improvements.
- This role is the food safety voice of the organization internally and externally.
Compliance
- Assure that company affiliates are in compliance with all federal, state, local, customer and regulatory standards, certifications, and specifications such as FSMA, PSR, FDA, USDA, AZLGAM, CALGMA, SFCR, CFIA, SQF, LGMA, Primus GFS, Global Gap and ensure Foreign Supplier Verification Process (FSVP) compliance.
- Implement and oversee third-party audits as well as in-house inspections and risk assessment of fields and facilities.
- Develop and maintain the Food Safety Data Management System such as recordkeeping protocols, data collection/retrieval/dissemination protocols, maintaining up to date data on customer mandated portals (Foodlogicq, Repositrak, Azzule, Zenput, etc.).
- Develop and monitor key performance indicators for food safety, internal and external audits, test results and outcomes, mitigation strategies and make continuous improvements of these indicators. Ensure that data is accessible by appropriate company management and staff.
- Evaluate emerging data management software and hardware to support IFS programs and integrate with company systems and departments.
Crisis Preparedness and Response
- Develop and lead the Crisis Response team to respond to a crisis/ potential crisis; gather and provide all relevant information to management for resolution.
- Follow up promptly and thoroughly on food safety complaints from customers.
- Ensure all systems, management and staff are prepared for recalls, market withdrawals or similar action; conduct mock recalls for training and regulatory purposes.
- Minimum 5 years demonstrated food safety managerial experience in the fresh produce industry required
- Strong communication skills, both in oral and written medium
- Must possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills, strong analytical skills, detail oriented, maintain confidentiality and ability to multitask
- Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal food safety standards and guidelines • Familiar with microbiological testing programs
- Proficient in Microsoft applications with working knowledge of analytical instrumentation • Perceptive to market needs and trends and possess strong customer service focus • Ability to research, analyze, review, and recommend actions to General Manager/COO, other applicable staff, or affiliates
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
- Bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish desirable
- Bachelor’s degree in Crop Production, Food Science or related fields preferred • HACCP, FSMA, PCQI, PSR and related certificates required
This Job has a $1,000 Referral Reward!
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If you would like to discuss this job opportunity in 100% confidentiality with a Joe Produce Search Consultant, please call Recruiting at 855-563-7763, or email recruiting@joeproduce.com |
