Food Safety and Quality Manager – NA

About the role

We are the world market leader for reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh food and are constantly optimizing our products. We help make the food supply cycle for the population more sustainable. With our RPCs, safety for food transport is improved, there is less waste of food, and the lifespan of the products increases. Through our products and the need for less packaging material, we reduce the carbon footprint. The Food Safety and Quality Manager will drive food safety and quality results across assigned Service Centers through successful training, implementation, and monitoring of validated food safety and sanitation systems and processes. This position requires traveling and working at assigned Service Center locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Drive food safety and quality results in assigned Service Centers, monitoring key processes and data that drive food safety and quality, process consistency, reviewing food safety and quality metrics & key performance indicators, identifying gaps and concerns, and working with the Operations team to improve results.
• Collaborate with customers' food safety/QA teams and IFCO team members, and other parties as necessary to investigate and resolve customer food safety or quality issues, evaluate root cause remediation, and coordinate appropriate actions as well as communications.
• Train, educate, coach, and mentor IFCO Service Center personnel on key food safety, quality, and sanitation processes.
• Support Operations in product/process redesigns through documented and systematic validation, monitoring, and verification processes.
• Maintain quality accreditations for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, ensuring periodic audits are scheduled to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Serve as a quality liaison and ensure consistent practices and deliverables meet quality standards in Service Centers.
• Implement corporate-sponsored best practices for quality assurance processes; develop and utilize benchmark-based metrics and maintain reporting on these measures to ensure continuous improvement and provide needed information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Increase quality awareness among managers and employees through training techniques and coaching sessions, including toolbox talks.
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures and guide on related disciplines.
• Seek, share, and assist in institutionalizing best practices across Service Center locations for Food Safety and Quality-related processes.
• Ensure operational management and personnel in the Service Centers comply with established and applicable IFCO policies and procedures.
• Conduct audits and inspections to ensure compliance with IFCO policies and procedures and implement corrective actions as required.
• May serve as liaison between programs or various governmental agencies inside or outside North America.
• Develop, collect, and report performance metrics as needed.
• Participate in the identification and implementation of all continuous process improvement activities.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in food science, microbiology, or related field of study preferred.
• Experience in food safety/quality or related field.
• Mid-level understanding of microbiology and food science.
• ASQ Certification in any of the following: Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) and Lean Six Sigma (BB/GB) are preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in applicable food safety and/or quality in a manufacturing environment.
• Candidate must be in the Dallas, Texas area.

Skills

• Excellent organizational and follow-up skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong computer skills and understanding of process methodologies.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.
• Willingness to travel throughout a specific geographic area.
• Knowledge of produce, packaging, retailers, or supply chain management industries is desired.
• Able to interact effectively with personnel at all levels and in all disciplines from the executive level down, both internally and externally, and to develop strong internal networks is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits starting on the 1st of the month after hire.
• 401(k) with immediate vesting and company match.
• Annual bonus and merit increase potential.
• A collaborative environment with leadership development opportunities.