Food Safety Scientist Manager

Purpose of Position:

The Corporate Food Safety Scientist implements technical oversight programs that ensure Food Safety and regulatory compliance for our global Del Monte Fresh facilities. This includes conducting risk-based facility audits, providing guidance and coaching related to Food Safety practices, and increasing overall Food Safety compliance. This position reports to the VP Food Safety.

Accountabilities:

• Support global Food Safety team with regards to guidance, support, and training of key foundational Food Safety programs.
• Leading foundational Food Safety programs and quality assurance systems for facilities that support the FSMA Food Safety program.
• Acting as Del Monte Fresh’s advocate during DMF’s interaction with Food Safety regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), US Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service (USDA FSIS), and state departments of agriculture.
• Site specific implementation and training of Food Safety and quality assurance programs within the facilities.
• Providing support to Distribution leadership on any number of special projects and activities related primarily to Food Safety and product quality.
• Additional duties as required or necessary.

Minimum Skills Required:

• Master’s Degree in Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Science and Engineering, related course of study with five to ten years of experience in food and beverage industry retail and manufacturing.
• Must be willing to obtain HACCP Basic Training, Preventive Controls Qualified Individual, and SQF Certified Practitioner within one year of being in this position.
• Some working knowledge of federal and state regulatory requirements specific to Food Safety and related areas (Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act; FDA Food Safety Modernization Act; FDA Bioterrorism Act; FDA Food Code; USDA Country of Origin Labeling; Federal and State Weights and Measures; and Code of Federal Regulations) and the principles behind these requirements affecting distribution, warehousing and retail food sales.
• In-depth knowledge of sanitation and how it relates to Food Safety and pest management issues.
• In-depth knowledge of different pest biological requirements and pest management systems.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and vision.
• Ability to remain calm during crisis situations.
• Critical thinking and negotiation skills, strong interpersonal skills, project management skills.
• Leadership and influencing skills.
• Effective time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Organizational skills and the ability to multi-task.
• Willingness to address issues and respond to emergencies timely.
• Willingness to travel occasionally.
• Willing to work weekends, holidays, and extended periods of time as needed.
• Willing to work in an environment where temperatures could exceed 90 degrees F or be as cold as -20 degrees f or below for an extended period of time.
• Working knowledge of statistics, data analysis, design of experiment, and risk analysis.

Preferred:

• PhD in Microbiology, Food Science, Food Engineering, Agricultural/Biological Sciences
• Three to five years of management experience relating to Food Safety, sanitation management, statistical/risk analysis and assessment
• HACCP Certification
• QSR Food Safety
• FDA Food Safety Modernization Act training

***Please note: This position does not qualify for relocation expenses. ***

DEL MONTE FRESH PRODUCE IS AN EEO/AA/V/H