Food Safety Compliance Manager

ABOUT MARKON‍

From its headquarters in Salinas, CA, Markon Cooperative, Inc., provides fresh produce purchasing, logistics, information and marketing services exclusively to its five member distributors (Ben E. Keith Foods, Gordon Food Service, Gordon Food Service Canada, Nicholas & Company, and Shamrock Foods Company) and their foodservice customers.A leader in food safety, quality control, and innovation, Markon is also mindful of the produce industry's impact on people – from field workers to consumers. We put people first and offer a culture that values teamwork, loyalty, and a commitment to excellence.Join Markon and let’s redefine ‘fresh’ together!‍

JOB SUMMARY‍

We are seeking a Food Safety Compliance Manager to lead supplier food safety compliance, recall readiness, and regulatory initiatives in support of Markon’s Food Safety Program. Working under minimal supervision, this role evaluates supplier food safety systems, oversees onboarding, audits, and corrective actions, supports crisis response activities, and leads cross‑functional projects related to traceability, labeling, and regulatory compliance. The Food Safety Compliance Manager also manages direct report activities and serves as a key liaison among suppliers, members, MUAs, and internal stakeholders, while supporting food safety investigations, recall coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization

‍KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain and update food safety policies, manuals, and crisis management plans
• Serve as Recall Coordinator and backup Recall Leader
• Report to the Director of Food Safety and support the execution of departmental goals, priorities, and strategic initiatives.
• Manage, mentor, and oversee direct report performance and activities
• Oversee supplier onboarding, compliance reviews, audits, and corrective actions
• Lead mock recalls and traceback exercises
• Approve GS1-128 labeling and manage FSMA 204 initiatives
• Support members, MUAs, and internal stakeholders on food safety matters
• Investigate food safety complaints and issue corrective actions
• Lead food safety projects and participate in industry councils and working groups

‍REQUIRED SKILLS

• Minimum of three years of food safety or supplier compliance experience.
• Strong knowledge of produce food safety, supplier compliance, audits, recalls, and traceability.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills to include the willingness to put in extra effort as needed to get the job done.  
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills to build an environment that fosters teamwork in a positive collaborative manner.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and document tracking systems.

‍PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, agriculture, or a related field
• Prior supervisory experience.
• HACCP, PCQI, or Produce Safety Rule training.  
• Spanish language skills.

‍WORK LOCATION

in-office (Salinas, California), with occasional travel to supplier facilities and industry meetings. ‍

WORK ENVIRONMENT‍

Approximately 25% of time spent outdoors or in food production environments, standing and walking.‍

COMPENSATION‍

The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $125,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.‍

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BENEFITS

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Optional Health Savings Account
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid Time Off

‍This job description does not contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that will be required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.‍Markon is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. We will make any reasonable accommodation for those with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs.