EHS Partner/FSQA Partner - Stockton, CA

About the Role

The FSQA/EHS Partner supports UNFI teams to deliver on a critical UNFI value: “Do the Right Thing – Put Safety and Integrity at the Forefront of Everything We Do.” This position aids the organization in executing the company’s EHS strategy and goals in a fast-paced, complex environment while maintaining a world-class food safety culture. The role ensures compliance with food safety, sanitation, and pest control programs and serves as a key advisor on EHS matters for Distribution Center (DC) leadership teams.

Responsibilities

Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA)

• Coordinates food safety, sanitation, and pest control compliance efforts.
• Ensures regulatory standards are met by third-party sanitation and pest elimination providers through joint surveys/visits.
• Conducts food safety assessments at internal DC locations and third-party sites as needed.
• Ensures compliance with third-party certifications (e.g., SQF, GDP).
• Reviews findings with DC leadership and develops corrective action plans to improve food safety culture.
• Stays current with State, Federal, and local regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with SQF standards and local DC operations.
• Uses metrics and reporting systems to track food safety performance, identify exceptions, and influence leadership to address opportunities.
• Manages SQF, GDP, and food safety programs, including document review, associate training, and corrective action oversight.
• Directs activities to maintain and execute food safety, food defense, and recall plans, policies, and processes.
• Provides food safety training and support to operations and internal/external partners.
• Collaborates with operations to ensure compliance during facility changes or new site developments.
• Investigates product quality and compliance issues (e.g., tampering, adulteration, mislabeling).
• Maintains active working relationships with industry and regulatory bodies.
• Drives innovation in food safety messaging, culture development, and reinforces food safety as a top priority.

Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)

• Executes injury prevention programs to foster a world-class safety culture and minimize injury risk.
• Identifies, assesses, and controls site-level hazards, including supporting incident investigations with root cause analyses.
• Analyzes trends to reduce injury and accident frequency/severity; develops and implements training programs.
• Partners with functional leaders to manage EHS resources, projects, and business decisions.
• Provides input on standardized safety systems, policies, training, and campaigns to ensure compliance with laws.
• Supports environmental compliance and claims programs.
• Builds internal and external alliances (e.g., operations, HR, legal, industry partners) to develop and implement EHS policies and programs.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Biology, Food Science, Public Health, Environmental Science, or related field (required).
• Bachelor’s degree in EHS, risk management, or a closely related field (preferred).
• HACCP, Preventive Controls Qualified Individual, and/or SQF Practitioner certifications (highly desired).
• ASP (Associate Safety Professional) certification (preferred).

Experience

• 3+ years in food-related fields and/or progressive EHS program management.
• Experience interpreting state and federal regulations and maintaining relationships with regulatory officials.
• Ability to coordinate planning and collaboration across business functions to drive continuous improvement.
• Analytical skills to resolve complex situations and make timely decisions.

Knowledge

• Familiarity with FDA Food Code, OSHA, Root Cause Investigation, Food Safety Modernization Act, and Seafood HACCP requirements.
• Knowledge of GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) schemes.
• Broad understanding of federal, state, and local EHS laws and regulations.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to influence all levels of management, employees, and customers, including experience collaborating with unions.
• Strong analytical skills for data interpretation and problem-solving.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to train large groups and communicate concepts effectively in a training environment.
• Leadership ability to inspire and drive results.
• Flexibility and adaptability to new technologies and organizational change.
• Limited travel may be required.
• Physical requirements may include stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching.

Benefits

Eligible employees may participate in the following benefits programs:

• Paid Time Off, Sick Time, paid holidays, and parental leave (Washington-specific details here).
• 401K Program.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account (subject to eligibility and program terms).

Benefits are subject to change at the Company’s discretion, consistent with applicable law and any collective bargaining agreements.