If you’re ready to step up from an assistant role to managing a food safety program, we’ve an opportunity for you to consider. We are seeking a Food Safety Manager with a strong ability to implement and maintain Food Safety related programs and standards for our growing and packing operations in Le Grand, California, and provide oversight of our remote operations.
The individual will work with our various teams to develop and oversee the implementation of the requirements, policies, procedures, programs and training components of the Live Oak Food Safety system. The Food Safety Manager serves as the lead for product recall communications, regulatory inspections, Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) audits, and for interaction with customers on Food Safety related issues. You will also be responsible for managing and providing technical expertise for: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and any requirements that pertain to the growing, harvesting, packing and shipping of our products from our operations in California and Mexico.
Live Oak Farms was founded in 1929 as a family-owned company. We are among the most recognized producers of fresh tomatoes and peppers, and are expanding our import and organic programs in 2023. It’s an exciting time for Live Oak and there’s opportunity for the right person. If you’ve a solid foundation in food safety and want to advance into management, let’s talk.
Responsibilities:
- You’ll implement and maintain all Food Safety related programs and standards for our packing facilities, ranches, and the oversight of the food safety programs of our partner growers in Mexico.
- Working with our Farm and Shed Managers, and outside growers, you’ll develop programs and policies as needed for full certification to the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards of PrimusGFS.
- To ensure that operations comply with federal, state, local, customer and company Food Safety policies and regulations.
- Manage the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan and pre-requisite programs.
- Working with our growers, you’ll Inspect farms, facilities, and documentation for conformity to applicable regulations and standards.
- To assist Shed Managers will the development of proactive maintenance and sanitation of the facilities to comply with Food Safety requirements.
- Plan and implement training programs for managers, supervisors, and employees to ensure that a proactive food safety culture is adopted throughout the company.
- Work with suppliers on ensuring that all federal, state, and local Food Safety regulations are in compliance.
- Handle and oversee the product recall process to ensure timely communication and execution of product recalls and completion of related documentation
- Follow-up promptly and thoroughly on Food Safety complaints from customers.
Requirements:
- Bachelor degree preferred in Food Science or related field from a four-year University. Comparable work experience will be evaluated for non-degreed candidates.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in Food Safety experience in the fresh produce, and working with Local, State, Customer, and Primus GFS 3rd party inspections.
- Solid working knowledge of quality assurance throughout the supply chain.
- Ability to communicate effectively with managers, employees, vendors, and customers.
- Must be able to travel seasonally within California, occasionally Mexico, and be flexible with your work schedule.
- Must have the ability to make independent, sound decisions, capable of communicating, and reporting functions both verbally and written.
- Given that most of our workforce speaks Spanish, being bilingual is an asset, but not required.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Compensation, including a signing bonus is negotiable.
- Health insurance and 401K (upon eligibility) + employer safe harbor contribution.
- Paid vacation and (upon eligibility).
