Area Quality & Food Safety Specialist

Mars Incorporated; Elizabethtown (KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mars University training

Industry competitive salary and bonus

Job summary

Mars Incorporated is seeking a dedicated Quality & Food Safety (QFS) partner to lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the Quality Management Process across the Value Stream. You will ensure compliance with external standards and internal QMP objectives, acting as the HACCP lead and PCQI for the Value Stream.

The role requires strong leadership, in-depth knowledge of GMP/GHP and regulatory frameworks, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• BS degree or equivalent with 5+ years in manufacturing/quality.
• Strong leadership capabilities and influence across teams.
• Experience with HACCP, GLP and food safety risk management.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2008 and GFSI systems (SQF, BRC, FSSC22000, ISO9000).
• Familiar with GMP, allergens, sanitation and regulatory requirements.
• Travel up to 10% as needed.

Responsibilities

• Implement QMP standards across the value stream to drive full compliance.
• Manage food safety program and compliance with external standards (FSC 22000, GFSI, FSMA).
• Own quality agenda, set priorities and monitor KPI progress.
• Lead HACCP for the value stream and oversee CCP/OPRP programs.
• Provide PCQI leadership and drive GMP/GHP implementation.
• Coordinate QMP activities: CAPAs, audits, and continuous improvement.
• Interface with stakeholders to manage line trial risk and testing.
• Ensure current visual quality materials for inspections are in place.

Skills

Leadership

HACCP

ISO9001

GFSI Systems

GMP

Audits

CAPA

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/related field

HS Diploma + 5+ years experience

Job description

Job Description

This position is the primary Quality and Food Safety (Q&FS) partner ('the face of R&D') for the Value Stream in providing technical leadership in the implementation and, continuous improvement of the Quality Management Process (QMP) to enable the reliable delivery of products that meet all external legislative requirements and all internal Quality & Food Safety global standards.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Requirements

• BS degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Engineering, Chemistry or related technical field OR a High School Diploma/GED and 5+ years of demonstrated success in manufacturing/ quality experience.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in leading/influencing others
• Food safety risk, identification and management, HACCP and prerequisite controls, GLP's
• Knowledge of and experience with ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Systems
• Knowledge of GFSI Quality Systems such as SQF, BRC, FSSC22000 or ISO9000
• Knowledge of GMP, food allergens, pest control, sanitation, and food safety regulations
• Ability to work in fast paced team environment
• Ability to travel 10% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Engineering, Chemistry or related technical field and
• 2-3 years of experience in different quality related areas such as raw materials, distribution, manufacturing or
• 2-3 years of experience in a manufacturing site managing quality and food safety management systems responsible position related to food safety or Quality and food safety management system

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Implement QMP related standards into the value stream and drive to full compliance.
• Manage the food safety program within the value stream including achieving compliance with any required external standards (e.g. FSC 22000, GFSI, FSMA)
• Responsible for the quality agenda in the value stream (Identify key priorities related to Q&FS KPI's and align strategy and resource allocation within the Value Stream, monitor and report progress against agreed objectives).
• HACCP Lead for the value stream.
• Provide leadership in the implementation of the GMP/GHP and CCP/OPRP programs within the value stream to drive compliance.
• PCQI for the Value Stream.
• Coordinate QMP in the value stream (CAPAs, internal audits, continuous improvement, document creation & control)
• Key interface for Q&FS related activities within the value stream.
• Technical input to Value Stream related activities (new equipment installation, etc.).
• Partner with key stakeholder groups to manage line trial risk assessment and exception testing.
• Responsible for ensuring visual quality materials to perform quality inspections are current for the value stream.
• Conduct level 2 trouble-shooting related to Q&FS and elevate to Technical Services for level 3 troubleshooting.
• First line Q&FS incident management including handling coordination with outside stakeholders when needed - incident coordinator and RA1 and track & report on incident closure.
• Assist in the root cause analysis investigation of incidents
• Accountable for the verification of effective implementation of corrective /preventive action plans.
• Follow up consumer & customer complaints within value stream.
• Q&FS lead in value stream operational meetings and providing inputs required to drive the quality agenda forward.
• Communicate value stream initiatives within the R&D community.
• Support MSE program which may include being an active member in one of the pillars of the program.
• Support other Q&FS related programs as required, Internal/External audits, trials, food defense, Sensory program, and new associates onboarding, QCC training, etc.
• Development and roll out of food safety training programs as needed to build technical and functional capability in the supply team to implement and sustain compliance to Q&FS Standards.

What can you expect from Mars?

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

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role.

This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.