Food Safety Systems Senior Specialist

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Mars University

Learning & development support

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates in Topeka, KS seeks a Food Safety Systems Senior Specialist to lead and improve quality and food safety programs at the site, ensuring compliance with external regulations and internal standards.

The role provides technical leadership, practical food safety solutions, and guidance to the manufacturing team, with responsibilities including HACCP, GMP, GLP, and continuous improvement initiatives across the site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field + 2–3 years in a food manufacturing environment is expected.
• Deep knowledge of food microbiology, food safety, manufacturing processes and regulations.
• Experience leading teams and influencing others; strong written and spoken communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of standards, processes, and technologies for food safety at the site.
• Interpret and apply food safety standards and regulations to manufacturing operations (HACCP, CCP, OPRP, etc.).
• Serve as Food Safety Coordinator for HACCP plans and validations of preventive controls.
• Lead root cause analyses of food safety incidents and drive corrective actions.
• Interpret data to assess impact on product safety and provide timely recommendations.
• Lead the development and deployment of Food Safety training across the site.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Travel readiness

People management

Self-direction

Education

BS in Food Science/ Food Safety/ Engineering/ Chemistry or related technical field

Job description

Job Description:

The Food Safety Systems Senior Specialist provides deep technical leadership to develop, maintain and proactively improve Mars Wrigley Quality and Food Safety programs. Under the supervision of the Site Q&FS Manager, this role provides technical expertise, consultancy and a practical food safety approach to the site manufacturing operations. This role makes complex risk-based food safety decisions that enable the reliable delivery of products that meet all external legislative requirements and all internal Q&FS standards.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Requirements

• BS degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Engineering, Chemistry or related technical field or combination of education and 5+ years demonstrated success in relevant manufacturing/quality experience
• 2-3 years of work experience in a food manufacturing environment
• In depth knowledge of food microbiology, food safety, manufacturing processes and food laws
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in leading/influencing others
• Food safety risk, identification and management, HACCP and prerequisite controls
• Knowledge of GMP, GLP, food allergens, pest control, sanitation, and food safety regulations
• Strong people and organizational development skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Forward thinking, self-directed, capable of making independent actions, and ability to make complex decisions that drive business performance
• Proven negotiation and problem-solving skills with all levels of staff including senior management
• Ability to travel 10% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5 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
• Experience with regulatory and 3rd party audit requirements
• Experience with practical applied microbiology in factory environments
• Capable leader of teams and individuals with ability to motivate and engage superiors, peers, indirect associates, and global Q&FS community
• Advanced understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP's), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Systems (HACCP)
• Knowledge of and experience with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems and ISO 17025 general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
• Knowledge of and experience with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
• Experience with GFSI Quality Systems such as SQF, BRC, FSSC22000, ISO9000 or ISO17025
• Strong people management skills in creating a participative environment and a high performance team

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Leads the effective development and implementation of standards, processes, new technology/methods and drives continuous improvement of food safety management at the manufacturing site
• Acts as a technical resource for interpretation and ongoing application of food safety standards and regulations, as they relate to manufacturing operations, including but not limited to the Global Microbiological Verification, Allergen Management, Foreign Material Management, Mold and Mycotoxin, HACCP and Food Fraud Standards
• Acts as Food Safety Coordinator, providing governance to HACCP Food Safety plans and managing validations of CCP and OPRP preventive controls.
• Leads the Root Cause Analysis investigation of food safety incidents and drives effective implementation of corrective and preventative actions.
• Interprets sensitive and technical data for potential impact on product safety and provides timely recommendations for the effective resolution of food safety issues.
• Leads the development and deployment of Food Safety training across the manufacturing site
• Provides technical guidance and consultancy to the Food Safety Team to assure that manufacturing processes and environments are microbiologically safe for producing both new and existing products.

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.