Food Safety Specialist

Food Safety Specialist

Classification: Non- Exempt

Reports to:  Warehouse Manager  

Date: 10/24/2023

Summary of Position:

The purpose of the Food Safety Specialist is to assist with implementing and managing quality control systems designed to ensure continuous production of sugar and co-products consistent with established standards, customer specifications and production goals. The Food Safety Specialist will also perform administrative duties related to Company-specific training and database management.  This position will help Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative reach its mission by (1) coordinating and participating in onsite inspections, (2) developing training reports, and (3) educating employees, visitors and contractors about Food Safety procedures.

Essential Functions:

• Administer the document control and record control programs including routine reporting of the KPIs for the program.
• Support the site in maintaining SQF Certification.
• Administer the CAPA Program including routine reporting of the KPIs for the program.
• Investigate consumer complaints and provide insights on trends related to consumer complaint data.
• Lead cross-functional Food Safety team including regular meetings with the Food Safety team to exchange information and discuss new procedures or equipment related to Food Safety.
• Implement procedures to support quality and Food Safety systems.
• Deliver training and orientation materials and maintain records associated with the program.
• Interact with staff on the systems used for document control, complaints, and CAPA.
• Interact with Supplier Quality to update site documentation related to new suppliers and new ingredients.
• Lead the GMP Inspection and Calibration Programs.
• Interact with the Site Pest Control Operator
• Provide effective communication regarding issues, objectives, initiatives, and performance to plan via Management Review and Metrics Reporting.
• Practices and promotes GMPs and plant safety procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies and Skill Requirements:

• Ability to analyze complex information and perform root cause analysis.
• Ability to recognize areas for Continuous Improvement strategies; recommend and implement CI strategies as assigned.
• Ability to utilize ERP information and analyze results.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of proprietary business information at all times.
• Ability to effectively manage time, including the ability to prioritize, work within assigned deadlines, and work independently or collaboratively to accomplish organizational objectives
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects while maintaining quality & accuracy standards
• Ability to utilize Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, Word, and Outlook on an Advanced Level
• Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing, fostering strong lines of communication across the business
• Ability to troubleshoot quality issues on dry packaging lines
• Quality Management
• Risk Management
• Planning & Scheduling
• Problem-Solving
• Analytical Thinking
• Risk Management
• Planning & Scheduling
• Problem-Solving
• Analytical Thinking

Personal Attributes:

• Managing Complexity- Keeping focused on key objectives and results when addressing the details of a situation. Making timely decisions using available facts in ambiguous situations.
• Change Management- Challenges the status quo; encourages people to question existing methods, practices, and assumptions. Responds positively and enthusiastically to novel ideas and suggestions; supports people in their efforts to try new things; seeks ways to implement new ideas. Coordinated, structured period of transition from one situation to another in order to achieve sustainable positive outcome.
• Regulatory Matters- Demonstrates understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements for area of responsibility, which will include the countries in which the product is both made and sold.
• Working with Ambiguity- Achieves forward progress in the face of poorly defined situations and/or unclear goals; able to work effectively with limited or partial information.
• Accountability: Takes accountability for delivering on commitments; owns mistakes and uses them as opportunities for learning and development; openly discusses his/her actions and their consequences both good and bad.
• Credibility - Adheres to a set of core values that are represented in decisions and actions. Does the right thing, even when it is difficult. Demonstrates technical proficiency, reliable customer service and delivery of results in supporting clients; speaks with authority and is respected by others; maintains objectivity in dealing with issues. Removes/ minimizes bias from decisions.
• Quality Management- Knowledge and application of food industry quality systems; Knowledge and application of procedures required for testing food quality.
• Acting with Integrity: Clearly states goals and beliefs; lets people know his/her true intentions; does what he she said they would do; follows through on commitments; Understands and follows company policies
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner; tailors message to fit the interests and needs of the audience; delivers information in a manner that is interesting and compelling to the listener
• Energy & Initiative: Takes action on his/her own without being prompted; handles problems independently; able to resolve issues without relying on extensive help from others; does more than is expected or asked; asserts one's influence over events to achieve goals
• Judgment & Decision-Making: Bases decisions on a systematic review of relevant facts and information; avoids making assumptions or rushing to judgment; provides clear rationale for decisions
• Customer Orientation – Addressing internal and/or external customer needs by providing and delivering professional, helpful, high-quality service and support

Required Education and Experience:

• At least 1 year of applicable professional experience working with quality & Food Safety systems
• At least 2 years working in a manufacturing environment
• HACCP and related Food Safety training with experience in the development and maintenance of HACCP Plans
• SQF or other related GFSI benchmarked standard training / certification
• Knowledge of Quality Assurance/Control practices and procedures
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written in English
• Valid driver’s license.

  Other:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change any time with or without notice.

Upon eligibility, Spreckels Sugar offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and life insurance, 401k with company match, vacation, sick, and bereavement leave and holidays.

Position is in Brawley, CA.