FSQ Manager

BrightFarms; Kendall Township (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

BrightFarms is seeking an experienced Food Safety & Quality Manager to lead the site FSQ team and drive the execution of the comprehensive food safety and quality management system across operations. The role requires leading investigations, audits, and cross-functional collaboration with production and growth teams to ensure safe, high-quality leafy greens.

Ideal candidates will have a 4-year degree in Agriculture or Food Science, at least 5 years of FSQ program leadership, and a proven track

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Food Science or related field.
• Minimum 5 years managing food safety & quality programs.
• Minimum 3 years directly managing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead site FSQ team (Technicians and Specialists).
• Build and execute the food safety and quality management system.
• Write procedures, work instructions, and training materials.
• Train staff on food safety programs and protocols.
• Lead investigations and close corrective actions with cross-functional teams.
• Oversee pest control and sanitation programs and audits.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety expertise

Regulatory knowledge

Documentation skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or Food Science

Job description

At BrightFarms, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we don’t just want to grow great tasting greens, we want them to do good as well: for the planet, for the health of people, and for the well-being of our employees. We give BrightFarmers the tools, training, support, and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people, they do good for the world.

BrightFarms is a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of eight high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms. From seed to leaf we grow lettuce smarter, with less space, no pesticides and protected inside, so it’s better for the planet and way better for humans. BrightFarms' fresh lettuce options, from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits, are available in more than 4,500 retail stores across the East Coast, Midwest, and South.

Specifically, you will:

• Manage a site food safety team comprising of FSQ Technicians and Specialist
• Support in building and overall execution of a food safety and quality management system
• Write procedures, work instructions, training materials and other documents necessary
• Train staff and leadership team on food safety and quality programs and protocols
• Lead food safety and quality investigations, work cross functionally to ensure timely close out of corrective actions
• Oversee the sites pest control management system and conduct regular reviews of the system
• Lead and prepare for internal and external food safety and quality audits
• Oversee the record keeping and review process
• Engage with grow team, production team, and other stakeholders and advise on food safety & quality matters; offer solutions to ensure safe and high quality products
• Manage sites sanitation and Environmental monitoring programs
• Support as food safety subject matter expert in projects and day to day needs
• Perform GMP inspections and monitor corrective actions
• Occasional travel to support other sites, training events, company events, etc.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

The ideal candidate:

• Have a 4-year degree in related discipline (Agriculture, food safety, food science, etc.)
• Ability to work weekends and nights as needed to support effective implementation of FSQ programs
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing food safety & quality programs
• Minimum 3 years of experience directly managing teams
• Have excellent written and verbal communication and can create documents such as standard operating procedures, safety rules label mixing instructions
• Strong knowledge in FDA Food Safety regulations and GFSI certifications (ex. SQF)
• Exhibit excellent critical thinking skills, leadership skills, lead by example
• Have the ability to meet the physical requirements of the job including lifting up to 50 pounds
• Be a self-starter and a problem solver with strong relationship building and communication skills
• Experience building or using digital record keeping platforms is a plus

Working conditions / Environment / Travel / Schedule required

• Have the ability to meet the physical requirements of the job including lifting up to 50 pounds, walking/standing for many hours, working in cold conditions (coolers) and warm environments (greenhouse)

Come grow with us - the future is BRIGHT!