Summary
This position is responsible for providing leadership for the enhancement of a culture of animal care via further implementation, sustaining, and improvement of animal husbandry and handling practices (including animal health) and biosecurity programs. Provide guidance and auditing of egg production, animal health/welfare, and site security. Assure compliance with company standards, customer requirements, and government regulations. Represent Daybreak Foods to industry associations and regulatory bodies. Align department goals and objectives with company model, and foster confidence with customer via anticipation and fulfillment of expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- In conjunction with the VP of Technical Services, develop and execute strategies, programs, systems, and processes related to Food Safety, food defense, quality assurance, safe eggs, and safe feed
- Direct Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) staff in the implementation and continuous evaluation of such programs, systems, and strategies
- Advise the VP of Technical Services, Executive Vice President of Operations, Director of Processing, and General Managers regarding Food Safety, quality, and regulatory issues
- Ensure that product Safety and Quality parameters in food processing and feed production comply with company standards and customer requirements
- Function as primary customer contact for questions, complaints, problem resolution, and collaboration
- Track and report on customer complaints per million lbs. of eggs
- Ensure that product Safety and Quality parameters in food processing and feed production also comply with:
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s)
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) program
- Safe Quality Food (SQF) programs
- Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations
- Build relationships with key regulatory agencies/personnel (i.e., USDA FSIS and USDA AMS)
- Support and maintain the vendor approval program and assure vendor compliance via the auditing function
- Keep abreast of regulations and case law relating to Food Safety and security:
- Modify existing systems, processes, and procedures to reflect regulatory changes
- Communicate changes to all affected stakeholders
- Work with senior FSQ leadership team to generate corporate-wide Standard Operating Procedures related to Food Safety, food quality, feed safety, and government regulation
- Provide guidance and work collaboratively with direct reports and facility management in matters of Food Safety and defense, quality, safe eggs, and safe feed
- Work with FSQ staff to prepare for Food Safety, SQF and other related audits
- Work with the Director of AW to integrate programs and audits of AW systems
- Attend customer and SQF audits
- Report audit results and metrics to the VP of Technical Services and Executive VP of Operations
- Work with facility FSQ managers to assist with enforcement of biosecurity regulations and protocols
- Develop FSQ staff
- Identify formal and informal educational opportunities to develop staff and improve their value to Daybreak Foods
- Provide stretch opportunities for direct reports and FSQ managers to prepare them for additional responsibility
- Identify and recommend high potentials and prepare them for the next level
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential 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.
Education and/or Experience
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in quality, biology, food science or a related field of study
- Advanced degree preferred
- Safe Quality Food (SQF) Practitioner certification preferred
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification preferred
- American Society of Quality (ASQ) certification preferred
- Internal audit certification
- Water Operator certifications preferred
- Experience in food industry
- 8 years of progressive leadership and span of responsibility
- Experience in food manufacturing or processing
- Knowledge of animal feed, egg production, and processing preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Advanced knowledge of Food Safety regulations and guidelines
- Advanced knowledge of feed safety regulations and guidelines
- Advanced knowledge of Safe Quality Food (SQF) guidelines
- Advanced knowledge of Food processing systems and procedures
- Ability to skillfully balance multiple priorities in multiple disciplines and from multiple locations
- Ability to think and execute independently, a hands-on self-starter
- Ability to write, edit, and analyze standard operating procedures
- Polished and flexible oral and written communication skills
- Exceptional leadership and organizational skills
- Ability to motivate employees to work within company parameters
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
Physical Demands
Sit, use keyboard, use fine manipulation with hands and fingers. Lift up to 10 pounds.
Work Environment
Clean, temperature controlled environment. Noise level is low. No personal protective equipment needed.
Travel Expectations
Travel up to 50% of the time.