GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE
The role, reporting to the FSQA Manager, works on microbiological and food safety related issues and partners with Production, Sanitation and other management functions on development and implementation of policies & procedures. The position supports FSMA and the food safety plan development and validation for plants and collaborates with others on product and process design to ensure food safety.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS/DUTIES OF THE POSITION
- Responsible for the implementation and execution of the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) including but not limited to documentation, sampling and maintenance of associated software
- Responsible for trending and communication of microbiological testing of in-process and final product materials.
- Responsible for leading cross-functional team in investigating environmental non-conformances including root cause analysis.
- Conducts trend analysis of pre-operation inspections and regularly communicates to facility management team, Sanitation, Food Safety and Quality Director.
- Participates in activities related to commissioning of equipment.
- Assists in execution of challenge studies and validation studies, including collaboration with external business partners.
- Performs facility and GMP inspections to ensure best practices and sanitary principles are followed.
- Encourages safe working practices.
- Remains abreast of current science, regulatory principles, and emerging issues related to food safety.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by manager.
- Follow all food safety requirements and GMP’s as applicable for this position
- Ensure the integrity and continued operations of the food safety system in the event of organizational or personnel changes within the company or associated facilities
- Other duties as assigned.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
EXPERIENCE: 3-5 years of food safety and/or quality related experience; good understanding of basic food microbiology.
SKILLS: Working knowledge of food technology, processing and microbiology. Strong understanding of GMPs and Federal/State food regulations. Strong computer/statistical skills, particularly as related to data collection, manipulation and reporting. Exceptional communication skills (both written and verbal). Ability to communicate and work with diverse workforce, and achieve cultural change in the face of potential resistance.
ADDITIONAL: Ability to work and adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Ability to travel independently. Work experience in team oriented functions as well as individual contribution. Action oriented with good project management skills.
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INTERNAL & EXTERNAL RELATIONS_
INTERNAL: Plant Manager, Food Safety Sanitation, Production, Maintenance, Leads, Shipping, Receiving, Human Resources, Finance, Sales, IT
EXTERNAL: Auditors, vendors, contractors, co-packers
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION
BS Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science or related field required.
EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT
None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to maneuver around an array of equipment. Must be able to work in a cold environment. Will have some exposure to fumes and airborne particles.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Cell Phone
- Two-way radio
- Laptop
- Tablet
WORK HOUR REQUIREMENT
- Flexibility to work both a variety of shifts and hours.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
- Travelling to visit other facilities or auditing purposes may be required.
Required Skills
- Working knowledge of food technology, processing and microbiology.
- Strong understanding of GMPs and Federal/State food regulations.
- Strong computer/statistical skills, particularly as related to data collection, manipulation and reporting.
- Exceptional communication skills (both written and verbal).
- Ability to communicate and work with diverse workforce, and achieve cultural change in the face of potential resistance.
- Ability to work and adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Ability to travel independently.
- Work experience in team oriented functions as well as individual contribution.
- Action oriented with good project management skills.
Required Experience
- 3-5 years of food safety and/or quality related experience; good understanding of basic food microbiology.
- BS Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science or related field required.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.