Calavo Growers, Inc. is a global avocado-industry leader. The company also procures and markets diversified fresh produce items, ranging from tomatoes to tropical produce. An expanding provider of value-added fresh food, the company's Calavo Foods business segment manufactures and distributes guacamole, guacamole hummus and salsa under the respected Calavo brand name. Calavo's wholly owned subsidiary, Renaissance Food Group, LLC, creates, markets and distributes a portfolio of healthy, high-quality lifestyle products for consumers through fast-growing brands that include Garden Highway and Chef Essentials. Founded in 1924, Calavo serves food distributors, produce wholesalers, supermarket retailers and restaurant chains worldwide.
We are currently recruiting for a National Food Safety Manager who will be responsible for providing proactive leadership and instruction in the area of food safety. This position drives the Company’s corporate food safety strategy to mitigate food safety risk through implementation of food safety preventive control programs. Will oversee the implementation of the requirements, policies, procedures, programs and training components of the food safety system, participate in regulatory audits and inspections and interact with customers on issues related to food safety.
- Execute all corporate food safety related strategies, policies and procedures; maintain open communication with all related departments to address the identification of food safety hazards and process improvement opportunities.
- Manage Food Safety Preventive Controls Program, inclusive of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan, pre-requisite programs, Food Safety Policies and specific SOPs.
- Collect, maintain, and update corporate standard operating procedures, policies, and templates for all food safety related records; preparation and requirements for producers’ compliance with The Produce Safety Rule pertaining to GAP audits.
- Provides oversight and training for maintaining facility cleanliness and sanitation standards. Routinely measures sanitation program compliance to ensure food is received, stored, handled and transported in a food safe condition.
- Manage participation in Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), audits by BRC, independent third parties, customers, internal, and regulatory entities. Analyze results and gather corrective action plans for audit non-conformance.
- Complete regulatory reports and document corrective and preventive action plans for non-conformances identified in local, state/provincial, federal regulatory inspections.
- Conduct food safety observations of key associates performing food safety activities.
- Routinely audit food safety practices to objectively evaluate performance and provide feedback to other personnel as necessary to ensure compliance.
- Verify the food safety capabilities, food safe conditions and execution of food safety procedures of any potential third-party warehouses.
- Maintain effective working relationships with regulatory authorities, industry trade groups, suppliers, owned companies, and customers.
- Other duties and projects as assigned and/or required.
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in food science/agriculture.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in operations, quality assurance/control, food production, supply chain or related areas.
- Must possess strong knowledge of food safety compliance such as Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), GFSI, Primus GFS and organic standards.
- Understanding of food safety regulations, laws, and best practices including those from FDA, USDA, CFIA, and other state/provincial/ local entities.
- HACCP certification a strong plus.
- Basic knowledge of food microbiology, food safety, and food defense.
- Minimum three years of supervisory experience is mandatory.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbal and in writing, (bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred but not required).
- Ability to work independently, high level of dependability, strong work ethics, attention to detail.
- Strong computer skills.
- Possess a valid CA driver’s license in good standing.
- Domestic travel required.
- Other duties and projects as assigned and required.
- Commitment to the Company’s values and ethics.
