DIRECTOR OF FOOD SAFETY-FRESH VEG FACILITIES at Arvin, CA

Overview

PURPOSE:

This person will be responsible for the oversight and management of food safety program at fresh produce processing/handling facilities (Cal-Organic Fresh Veg).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Provide direction and leadership to Food Safety Department personnel; Provide assistance to Sales staff in handling of product complaints from both external and internal sources; Responsible for government, regulatory and customer audit administration; troubleshoot and investigate food safety issues, and interact with all customer representatives; Develop, train and assess the performance of food safety staff; Provide recommendations to management in relation to regulatory and internal compliance; additional projects and duties as assigned to this position. Frequent travel is required to offsite facilities during November to March.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to remain in a stationary position throughout much of the working day. Ability to regularly move about inside the office and food processing facilities. Ability to operate a computer and other productivity equipment. Ability to work outdoors. Work in wet and damp environment. Ability to inspect equipment and product. Must be able to work in different temperatures (working temperatures as hot as 100° to 110° F and as cold as -20° F to 32° F). Must be able to work in a high noise area.

Additional Info

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum educational background of a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences or related field is required, advanced degree preferred.
• Extensive experience is preferred in food safety management along with GMPs, regulatory compliance, and food safety audits.
• Fresh produce experience is highly desired.
• Previous staff management experience is required.
• Candidate must be certified in PCQI, HACCP, GFSI programs with clear understating of produce safety rule requirements.
• This person must be experienced and knowledgeable in the areas of fresh produce safety, document control, microbiology, and regulatory issues pertaining to food production.
• Must be knowledgeable in food processing equipment, facility hazard evaluation, risk assessment, sanitary standards, and internal compliance for sanitation.
• Lead internal audits and provide insights on improvements for gaps or weak points of safe processing of fresh produce, and compliance management.
• Must be able to develop and improve food safety plans, implementing and tracking preventive controls, validating and verifying food safety standards against FSMA requirements.
• Must be knowledgeable in mock recalls, FSQA trainings, new product approvals, food safety documentation and data analysis.
• Must be able to coordinate with vendors and auditors, timely communicate with management on food safety issues and decisions impacting cross functional teams and interaction with all levels of the organization.
• Stays current with fresh produce industry developments, new regulations, guidance documents, and best practices.
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish is a plus.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with a clean DMV driving record.
• Must pass pre-placement drug/alcohol screen.

Benefits

ADMINISTRATIVE EMPLOYEES:

• Competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401k plan with a discretionary match, subject to a vesting schedule
• Paid Sick, Vacation, Holiday Time and Personal Hours
• Local car dealers discounts for Employee Vehicle Purchase/Lease Programs
• Subsidized gym membership with InShape health clubs
• Free on-site personal training and other wellness-focused activities at company gym
• Tuition discount partnership program with University of La Verne
• Discounted tickets to major theme parks throughout California