FSQA Partner - Sarasota, FL

PURPOSE:

The most important value at UNFI is "Do the Right Thing - Put Safety and Integrity at the Forefront of Everything We Do." The FSQA Partner position will aid the organization deliver on this critical value - day in and day out. The role is fast-paced and complex and has responsibility for helping maintain a world class food safety culture in which UNFI associates are proactive and interdependent when it comes to food safety. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with food safety, sanitation, and pest control programs within their location. Interacts with Distribution Center (DC) leadership teams to ensure policies, procedures, audits, and training programs are understood and followed. This includes comprehensive support of all regulatory certifications.

 JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Coordinates food safety, sanitation, and pest control compliance efforts as required Ensures regulatory standards are met by third party sanitation and pest elimination providers by conducting occasional joint surveys/visits

     Conducts food safety assessments at internal DC location and 3rd party locations if needed Ensures compliance with 3rd party certifications

    Review findings with DC leadership and ensures corrective action plans are detailed and completed with leadership support to improve food safety culture

    Be and stay current with all State, Federal, and local regulatory agencies to ensure compliance regarding local DC

    Operations as well as adhere to SQF standards

    Uses available metrics and reporting systems to track and measure food safety performance, identifying exceptions to outstanding performance and influencing leadership to resolve specific and cultural opportunities

    Manages SQF, GDP, and food safety programs, including document review of records, associate training, and oversight of corrective actions.

    Directs activities in maintaining and executing effective food safety, food defense, and recall plans, policies, and processes in Distribution Center operations

    Provides food safety training and support to operations and internal/external partners

    Collaborates with operations partners to ensure compliance during facility changes and/or new site developments

    Investigates product quality and compliance issues (i.e. tampering, adulteration, mislabeling, etc.)

    Maintains active working relationships with all appropriate industry and regulatory bodies

    Consistently drive and execute innovation for food safety messaging, development of food safety culture, and nurture the belief that food safety is and should always be everyone's top priority.

    Performs other relevant job duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education/Certification:

    Associate degree in Biology, Food Science, Public Health, Environmental Science or related field required

    HACCP, Preventive Controls Qualified Individual, and/or SQF Practitioner certifications highly desired

Experience:

    3+ years' experience in related food fields

    Experience with interpreting state and federal regulations, and maintaining working relationships with industry and regulatory officials

    Ability to coordinate planning and collaboration with other business functions in a way that is mutually beneficial and drives continuous improvement.

    Ability to analyze and independently resolve a variety of difficult situations and problems using timely decision making

Knowledge:

    Familiarity with FDA Food Code, Food Safety Modernization Act and Seafood HACCP requirements

    Familiarity with GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) schemes.

    Working knowledge of Federal Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA) is beneficial

Skills/Abilities:

    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to interact and influence effectively with all levels of management, employees, and customers and experience collaborating with unions.

    Ability to balance multiple priorities and ensure significant issues are communicated clearly to relevant stakeholders in timely manner

    Strong analytical skills required for data interpretation and analysis

    Computer skills in word-processing and spreadsheet software preferred

    Must be able to interface effectively with a wide variety of personnel

    Possess ability to communicate concepts, systems, procedures, etc., in a training environment

    Experience in training large groups is helpful

    Must possess leadership ability to inspire others to achieve desired results

    Flexible and adaptable to learning and understanding new technologies

    Proficient with Microsoft Word, Power point and Excel

    Adapts well to and initiates change in the organization.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:

    Limited travel may be required

    Stooping, bending, twisting, lifting and reaching may be required

    May be in refrigerated food processing rooms for extended periods, may handle hazardous chemicals and manipulate or install cleaning equipment and dispensers

    Incumbent must be able to move throughout the facility including second story offices, and back rooms

    Some work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment

     Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal

    Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the course of normal activities

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.