Sr. Food Safety Specialist

Job Description

A collective energy and ambition. A place where you can make a real difference.

We’re a company that genuinely cares about our people, our products, our consumers and the environment.

Our unique, informal culture champions courage, determination and collaboration. Knowing we have an open and supportive team means each of us has the freedom to take responsibility and ownership. We have a shared passion to work hard, innovate and push boundaries.

United by the belief that when we strive for growth, anything is possible. While we might not be the largest company in our industry, we believe we can have the biggest impact because: Together We Have the Power to Win.

General Summary:

Reporting to the Quality Manager, the Food Safety Senior Specialist will oversee the Food Safety Program at the site level.  The individual will establish and oversee the food safety program for the site, providing guidance to all departments.  This includes leading the HACCP team meetings, updating the plan, confirming preventative controls are in place, ensuring Critical Control Points are monitored, and assembling the Food Safety Plan.

As the Food Safety Senior Specialist, you will be responsible for ensuring the implementation and maintenance of effective food safety programs and practices at the site.  You will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify potential risks, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvements in food safety practices.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible at all times for promoting a safety culture and awareness within their area of responsibility.  Support and enforce all plant safety policies and procedures in a fair and consistent manner.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), company policies, safety policies and practices, quality standards, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Promote a food safety culture and awareness throughout the entire site across multiple departments.
• Manage the site HACCP and Food Safety / Food Defense programs including continuous audit/inspection of all facility locations including receiving, warehousing, production, distribution, product returns, grounds, etc. 
• Lead the HACCP Team reviews and update plans accordingly.
• Facilitate all foreign object and other product safety Event (EVT) investigations, including risk assessments, CAPA responses, and product containment measures.  Validate Effectiveness checks.
• Provide training and education on food safety practices to employees at all levels within the site, ensuring awareness and understanding of food safety protocols.  Conduct area audits for compliance to the protocols.
• Trend and report on all foreign object findings from control points (screens, magnets, metal detectors, etc.)  Take action to drive down incident levels.
• Monitor all customer and consumer complaint reports applicable to these programs for trending identification, share out with corporate quality and sister-sites, and investigate in timely manner for response support.
• Provide onboard training for all new site hires focused on food safety (HACCP, Food Safety/Security, Allergens, Sanitation, general food safety culture).  Conduct periodic food safety training with all departments.
• Oversee the site pest control, allergen, glass, ceramic, and brittle plastic programs.
• Perform risk assessment and approval for site Change Control, PM, validation, emergency equipment repair, sanitation/cleaning, and facility maintenance activities impacting food safety.  Work closely with maintenance/sanitation department to assure cleaning/sanitation tasks are in line with appropriate food safety practices and monitor completion.
• Support the Quality Manager during internal / external audits being the site’s subject matter expert in food safety.
• Perform additional duties and projects as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of local, state, and federal regulations related to food safety, including HACCP, FDA Food Code, FSMA, and GFSI standards.
• Possess relevant food safety certifications (HACCP, PCQI, etc.)
• Ability to analize data, recognize trends, identify Root Causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills – ability to build positive relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent communications skills – ability to communicate clearly and concisely in multiple media – verbal, written, etc.
• Excellent organizational/time management skills. 
• Ability to prioritize work assignments in a fast-paced work environment, calm under pressure and flexibility to direct work force and adapt to changing schedules as appropriate.
• Strong computer skills (SAP and MS Office Suite).
• Strong knowledge of production operation, including equipment, materials, workflow, etc.
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality at all times and in all situations.           

Education:

• Successful candidate will have a BS or MS degree from an accredited institution in food science, microbiology, or related field.  Minimum of 3 years plant quality experience in food manufacturing required.
• Expertise in GxP compliance in drug, dietary supplement, or food industries.
• Experience with overseeing Food Safety Programs in a commercial manufacturing plant.
• Lean or continuous experience preferred.  

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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Church & Dwight is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

For more information on our company, our brands and our culture visit us at http://www.churchdwight.com/