Food Safety Specialist

ABOUT FESTIVAL FOODS:

At Festival, people are at the top of our list. You’ll see it in everything from our daily interactions to how we treat our guests – even in our extensive associate benefits and programs.

Job Title: Food Safety Specialist                                           

Reports To:  Food Safety Manager 

Reporting to the Food Safety Manager, the Food Safety Specialist is responsible for ensuring compliance in accordance to company policy, food safety standards, government regulations, and industry best practices.  This position assists with the integration of food safety and quality assurance into all functional areas of Festival Foods by managing our current food safety programs as well as supporting and aiding to the development and implementation of additions as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors the compliance of all Food Safety and Quality Assurance programs
• Provides Food Safety technical support and consultation to both store and support leadership, and makes recommendations as necessary
• Conducts internal food safety assessments of Festival Foods facilities and ensures that corrective actions are implemented based on audit results
• Contributes to a team effort managing recalls by initiating formal recall notifications, communicating with company leadership, and monitoring developments
• Collaborate as needed with third party inspectors/auditors
• Benchmarks against trade best practices to maintain food safety leadership within our industry
• Provide food safety training according to store needs using teachable moments during assessments and recommending more formal trainings
• Investigates and analyzes food safety related customer complaints and takes corrective action
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of regulatory guidelines and ensures compliance in all areas
• Evaluates and assists with developing food safety processes, procedures, specifications, and critical control points
• Accomplishes additional duties as assigned by the Food Protection and Regulatory Affairs Director
• Regular, timely attendance in compliance with the work schedule, and adequate notice to find a replacement for occasional absences.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field
• 2-5 years of Food Safety involvement or related experience
• Understanding of manufacturing policies (GMP and HACCP) as well as demonstrated knowledge of food safety principles
• Willingness to continue education & training in food safety and related programs
• Ability to bring projects to completion through motivation for results
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities/projects concurrently
• Excellent organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong ability to work in cross-functional teams
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and OneNote

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• Professional presence is required at both store and office locations.
• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for an extended period of time.
• Travel by car to stores, events, and presentations as scheduled.
• Lifting of up to 40 pounds may be required on an occasional basis.

 WORK SCHEDULE

The Food Safety Specialist is a full-time position.  The most common shift to be worked will be M-F 8am-5pm with occasional nights and/or weekends as business dictates. This position requires store involvement of up to 75% with some overnight travel required (10-15%).

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE: