Food Safety Systems Senior Specialist

About the role

The Food Safety Systems Senior Specialist provides deep technical leadership to develop, maintain and proactively improve Mars Wrigley Quality and Food Safety programs. Under the supervision of the Site Q&FS Manager, this role provides technical expertise, consultancy and a practical food‑safety approach to the site manufacturing operations. The role makes complex risk‑based food‑safety decisions that enable the reliable delivery of products that meet all external legislative requirements and all internal Q&FS standards.

Key responsibilities

• Leads the effective development and implementation of standards, processes, new technology/methods and drives continuous improvement of food safety management at the manufacturing site.
• Acts as a technical resource for interpretation and ongoing application of food safety standards and regulations, including Global Microbiological Verification, Allergen Management, Foreign Material Management, Mold and Mycotoxin, HACCP and Food Fraud Standards.
• Serves as Food Safety Coordinator, providing governance to HACCP Food Safety plans and managing validations of CCP and OPRP preventive controls.
• Leads Root Cause Analysis investigations of food safety incidents and drives effective implementation of corrective and preventative actions.
• Interprets sensitive and technical data for potential impact on product safety and provides timely recommendations for resolution of food safety issues.
• Leads the development and deployment of Food Safety training across the manufacturing site.
• Provides technical guidance and consultancy to the Food Safety Team to assure that manufacturing processes and environments are microbiologically safe for producing both new and existing products.

Minimum Requirements

• BS degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Engineering, Chemistry or related technical field, or a combination of education and 5+ years demonstrated success in relevant manufacturing/quality experience.
• 2‑3 years of work experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• In‑depth knowledge of food microbiology, food safety, manufacturing processes and food laws.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in leading/influencing others.
• Food safety risk identification and management, HACCP and prerequisite controls.
• Knowledge of GMP, GLP, food allergens, pest control, sanitation, and food safety regulations.
• Strong people and organizational development skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Forward‑thinking, self‑directed, capable of independent action and making complex decisions that drive business performance.
• Proven negotiation and problem‑solving skills with all levels of staff, including senior management.
• Ability to travel up to 10 % of the time.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3‑5 years of experience in a manufacturing site managing quality and food safety management systems in a responsible position.
• Experience with regulatory and third‑party audit requirements.
• Experience with practical applied microbiology in factory environments.
• Capable leader of teams and individuals with ability to motivate and engage superiors, peers, indirect associates, and the global Q&FS community.
• Advanced understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems.
• Knowledge of and experience with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Knowledge of and experience with ISO 17025 requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
• Experience with GFSI quality systems such as SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000, ISO 9000 or ISO 17025.
• Strong people‑management skills in creating a participative environment and a high‑performance team.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose‑driven company striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best‑in‑class learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.
• An industry‑competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role. This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.