** Must be willing to relocate to Amboy, NJ **

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY:

  • Managing the daily operation for the Food Safety & Quality Department.
  • Ensuring the continuous safety and legality of finished products in compliance with regulatory requirements and meeting the SQF Food Safety Code certification standard.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific Duties and Deliverables as part of the Role:

  • Leading the QC technician team to ensure the daily function and deliverables of the department are fulfilled.
  • Ensuring the site’s cleaning and sanitation program is maintained as per existing schedule.
  • Food Safety & Quality approval process for all new ingredients including packaging.
  • Continuous approval program for existing vendors of ingredients and packaging.
  • Responsible for managing the site’s Allergen Program and testing as per internal testing program.
  • Responsible for managing the site’s Environmental Monitoring Program, the retrieval of samples as per internal sampling plan and submission of samples to the external lab.
  • Responsible for managing and maintaining the Gluten Free Program, from scheduled in-house testing, submission of results and all communications with the Gluten Free Certification Body: GFCO.
  • Responsible for managing and maintaining the site’s Non-GMO Certification through working directly with Food Chain ID.
  • Responsible for managing and maintaining the site’s Kosher Certification through working with OK-Kosher.
  • Liaising with customers on food safety and quality inquiries and complaint resolution e.g., Trader Joe’s, Costco, Walmart, etc.
  • Customer Complaint management; lead liaison with customers, conducting internal investigations, report writing, monthly trending and staff communication.
  • Employee Food Safety & Quality Training.
  • Waste Management with the site’s waste contractors.
  • Working with the Almond Board of California to attain and secure the site’s Roaster Validation process.
  • Conduct all required Lab sampling; from retrieving samples, submission of samples to the lab and filing all documentation.
  • Maintain the site’s SQF Food Safey code certification ensuring all documented programs and records satisfy the requirements of SQF Modules 2 & 11. 
  • Internal Systems auditing to ensure compliance with the SQF Food Safety Code.
  • Conduct scheduled food safety program validations and verifications.
  • Conduct and document the monthly food safety performance meetings with the Plant Manager and the annual food safety meeting with the senior management team.
  • Manage the site’s operational compliance to established HACCP / Food Safety Plan.
  • Lead and manage the sites’ annual SQF, customer and regulatory audits / inspections.
  • Lead liaison with the FDA.
  • Team Leader for the HACCP, Food Defense, Product Recall & Withdrawal teams.

Other:

Supply Ordering for daily operations of the QA Department:

  • Environmental Swabs.
  • Gluten Free test kits.
  • ATP Swabs.
  • Allergen Swabs.

Experience & credentials:

  • HACCP Certified
  • PCQI Certified.
  • At least 5 years of experience in the food industry with a proven track record of managing a Food Safety & Quality Program.
  • Team Management experience in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.
  • Capable of working within multiple cross functional teams: Purchasing, Product Development, Production, Sales & Marketing, HR and internal Account Managers.