Lead Analyst, FSQA Produce

Chipotle Mexican Grill; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401k

Sick leave

Vacation time

Annual cash bonuses

Equity awards

Job summary

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. is seeking a Lead Analyst, FSQA Produce to manage food safety and quality for produce categories. You will conduct hazard analyses, on-site audits, and manage the FQRS system, prioritizing preventive controls and supplier oversight across the supply chain.

You will analyze data, maintain specifications, and lead cross-functional projects, reporting findings to leadership. Travel to facilities and suppliers may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from a 4-year college or university is required.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Food Safety and Quality Assurance - Microbiology, Food Science, or similar field.
• Training, certification, and experience conducting supplier and distribution center assessments.
• Strong understanding of Food Science principles, sensory analysis, and food preparation techniques.
• Able to travel and drive own vehicle to restaurants, distribution centers and suppliers.
• Self-starter with existing relationships in USA with LGMA or similar groups.
• Proficient in data entry and reporting using Mac/PC; able to use Excel, Word, Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Managing assigned food and ingredient categories - hazard analysis and risk assessments, including on-site FSQA audits and QIPs.
• Collaborating with restaurants, customer service, distributors, and suppliers to investigate food safety/quality issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Collecting, analyzing, and reporting data from the FQR system and restaurant tests; writing reports.
• Ensuring specifications are current by data analysis and collaborating with other category owners on improvements.
• Leading cross-functional projects with timelines and deliverables.
• Driving continuous improvement by presenting findings to leadership.
• Maintaining and reporting supplier scorecards to stakeholders.
• Proactively identifying potential issues using historical data and weather patterns; engaging suppliers to mitigate.

Skills

Communication skills (verbal & written

Education

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS)

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Food served fast does not have to be a typical fast-food experience. Chipotle has always done things differently, both in and out of our restaurants. We are changing the face of fast food, starting conversations, and directly supporting efforts to shift the future of farming and food. We hope you will join us as we continue to learn, evolve, and shape what comes next on our mission to make better food accessible to everyone.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As the Lead Analyst, Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) Produce, you will manage food safety and quality assurance for assigned produce categories. This includes conducting hazard analyses and risk assessments for products and conducting on-site FSQA audits of new and existing suppliers or facilities. Working closely with team members, the Lead Analyst FSQA Produce will manage our Food Quality Reporting System tool (FQRS), responding to restaurant and customer questions related to quality and food safety, investigating incidents, and conducting research on best practices. In addition, this position places particular emphasis on preventive controls, supplier oversight, data-driven decision-making, and maintaining rigorous standards throughout the supply chain to continuously improve food safety and quality. The role will also support the management of our produce specifications and associated documentation (Quality Inspection Program (QIP), Supplier Manual, etc..).

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Managing assigned food and ingredient categories - hazard analysis and risk assessments, including on-site FSQA audits and QIPs. Supporting quality improvement programs with vendors, Operations, Training, and Supply Chain teams.
• Working with restaurants, customer service, distributors, and suppliers in the investigation process of potential food safety and quality issues, obtain documents and technical data to determine the root cause of issues and implement corrective actions to resolve these issues permanently
• Collecting, analyzing, and acting upon data from our food quality reporting (FQR) system tool, restaurant tests in addition to writing reports and summarizing findings
• Assuring specifications are kept current by collecting and analyzing data and working with other category owners on improvement projects
• Leading cross-functional projects by managing timelines and deliverables.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives by presenting findings and recommendations to leadership.
• Lead the maintenance and reporting of supplier scorecards to internal and external stakeholders.
• Proactively identify potential food safety and quality issues based on historical data and weather patterns. Engage with suppliers and DCs to proactively mitigate these issues by providing actionable data.
• Assist with report generation, KPI creation, and presentations for the team.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO THE TABLE

• Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS) from 4-year college or university required.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Food Safety and Quality Assurance - Microbiology, Food Science, or similar field
• Training, certification, and experience conducting supplier and distribution center assessments
• Possess a strong understanding of Food Science principals, sensory analysis, and food preparation techniques. Have the ability to execute food research and quality assurance projects
• Able to travel and able to drive own vehicle to restaurants, distribution centers and suppliers.
• Self-starter, familiar with major produce suppliers and DCs in USA, have existing relationships with industry professionals and professional groups such as LGMA, etc.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, have the ability to use a Mac or PC and utilize Excel, Word, Outlook, and other software necessary for data entry and reporting. Available some nights and weekends for on-call or emergency situations.

PAY TRANSPARENCY

A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range for this position is $99,000.00-$138,000.00. You are also eligible for annual cash bonuses and equity awards based upon performance and other factors. Actual compensation offered may vary depending on skill level, experience, and/or education. Chipotle offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k, sick leave, vacation time, and much more. Visit https://jobs.chipotle.com/benefits for more details.

WHO WE ARE

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle has restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. With employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM

Chipotle Mexican Grill is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. As a people-first company rooted in values, our purpose extends beyond serving nutritious food using real ingredients. It means hiring world-class individuals and fostering a culture that champions diversity, ensures equity, and celebrates inclusion. All qualified applicants, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state or local laws. Please contact [e-mail] if you need an accommodation due to a disability to complete an application, job interview, and/or to otherwise participate in the hiring process. This email does not respond to non-accommodations related requests.