Food Safety & Market Development Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position will work exclusively with one Association Services Group client, the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), supporting its Produce Food Safety Services (PFSS) Program. Produce Food Safety Services (PFSS) is a program that provides nationwide consultation, tailored food safety program development, training, education, and regulatory guidance for growers, packers, shippers, and processors specifically in the produce industry. 

This Specialist will combine the growth of the Produce Food Safety Services (PFSS) program by combining expert food safety consulting with proactive customer relations and business development. This role will maintain a portfolio of consulting clients while also generating new leads, strengthening client relationships, and help expand PFSS visibility and impact within the domestic fruit and vegetable industry.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

This position reports directly to the ASG Account Manager that serves as the Director of Education and Food Safety for the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.

EDUCATION AND SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent industry experience considered.
• Minimum 5 years in agriculture, food safety, or agribusiness (10+ years preferred).
• Strong knowledge of agricultural production and post-harvest handling.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• HACCP certification preferred; ability to design HACCP plans required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; ability to learn new software tools.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

TRAINING, SKILLS, PERSONALITY:

• A self starter with a “can do” attitude.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with functional knowledge of software for web postings and updates; ability to learn new technology to improve efficiency.
• Effective written and oral communication skills, including strong telephone and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to prioritize workload and client needs.
• Capable of juggling multiple client projects at any given time.
• Confident enough to ask for help, direction, or clarification to accomplish a project.
• Pays great attention to detail.
• Adaptability and willingness to initiate change when necessary.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions within the scope of the position.
• Positive attitude, personable, and the ability to create and maintain effective working relationships.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate policies, procedures, and objectives clearly and professionally, representing PFSS positively in the community.
• Solid analytical skills for assessing and evaluating situations and data.

PHYSICAL AND/OR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Travel is required. Must have valid driver’s license and be able to travel overnight.  Travel expenses will be reimbursed.
• Requires ability to work in hot/humid conditions in production fields and packing facilities for long periods of time.  Requires ability to move freely in production field operations and in packing facilities. 
• Requires ability to work in cold/refrigerated conditions in packing facilities and cold storage facilities for long periods of time.
• Requires sitting in office environment for long periods of time. Requires ability to move freely in office environment and operation of standard office machines, including a computer and printer. 
• Must be able to concentrate for extended periods of time, paying attention to detail.
• Requires occasional bending, reaching, and stretching and lifting boxes weighing 25 lbs to 30 lbs.   

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:

• Work with GFVGA leadership and communications to develop a plan for increasing PFFS brand visibility and awareness.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide one-on-one food safety consultation, education, and program development for farms, harvest and post-harvest operations, and minimal processing facilities, ensuring readiness for GAP, GMP, GFSI-benchmarked, and other third-party audits.
• Conduct on-site assessments, create HACCP plans, create microbial sampling and handling plans, and/or advise on operational changes to meet food safety standards.
• Ensure all food safety programs and associated plans are in line with current FDA, USDA, or other regulatory requirements.
• Respond to client inquiries, providing timely guidance and pre/post-audit support.
• Represent PFSS at or participate in workshops, conferences, and industry events, offering training and networking to establish yourself as a subject matter expert and generate leads.
• Assist in developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote PFSS services and expand industry awareness.
• Identify opportunities for program growth and new revenue streams.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with ASG client Boards of Directors, industry organizations, academic partners, and other stakeholders.
• Generate and track leads for yourself and other consultants. Track lead generation efforts and report progress using established metrics.

LOCATION:

This position is welcomed to operate out of the main ASG office in LaGrange, GA or out of a satellite / home office.

This job description may not be all-inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.

Status: Full-time - Exempt