Sr. Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager- North Central Region

Illinoisagconnection; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Area Sr. Manager for Food Safety and Quality Assurance. This leadership role focuses on fostering a robust food safety culture while developing a high-performing team. Responsibilities include integrating food safety programs, maintaining compliance with regulations, and advising distribution center leadership on food safety culture. The position demands strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills, making it ideal for someone with extensive experience in food manufacturing or distribution. Join a company committed to safety and integrity, where your contributions will shape the future of food safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or related field required.
• 7+ years in food manufacturing or distribution leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead food safety and sanitation efforts at distribution centers.
• Develop and communicate safety targets and metrics.
• Supervise FSQA specialists and support training rollout.

Skills

Food Safety Programs

Leadership

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Project Management

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science

HACCP Certification

Preventive Controls Qualified Individual Certification

SQF Practitioner Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Purpose:
The most important value at UNFI is Do the Right Thing, putting Safety and Integrity at the forefront of everything we do. The Area Sr. Manager Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) is a leadership role responsible for fostering a world-class food safety culture across a geographic area. This role involves developing a high-performing team of FSQA leaders to execute the company's food safety strategies and serve as a key advisor to various stakeholders within the distribution centers (DCs).

Responsibilities include integrating food safety and sanitation programs enterprise-wide, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, audits, and regulations, and supporting regulatory certifications. The role supervises, supports, and develops FSQA site managers and partners.

This position must be based in Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, or Illinois.

Job Requirements:
- Promote and enforce food safety programs to ensure understanding among associates, visitors, and vendors.
- Develop and communicate safety targets; coordinate with analytics for accurate metrics.
- Build and lead a high-performing FSQA team, assist in hiring, and participate in talent calibration.
- Advise DC leadership on food safety culture, addressing weaknesses and challenges.
- Maintain compliance with all regulatory agencies.
- Lead food safety and sanitation efforts at distribution centers, ensuring adherence to standards.
- Support and develop FSQA staff, provide direction, and serve as an escalation point for critical issues.
- Maintain effective food safety, defense, and recall plans and conduct assessments.
- Collaborate with operations during facility changes or new site developments.
- Ensure timely and effective corrective actions and investigations.
- Support media relations and customer complaint operations related to food safety.
- Maintain relationships with industry and regulatory bodies.
- Drive innovation in food safety messaging and culture.
- Communicate effectively with leadership about issues and initiatives.
- Supervise FSQA specialists and support rollout of standards and training.
- Perform other duties as required.

Education/Certifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Public Health, or related field.
- HACCP, Preventive Controls Qualified Individual, and/or SQF Practitioner certification.

Experience:
- 7+ years in food manufacturing, wholesale, or distribution leadership.
- 3+ years leading FSQA teams.
- Experience with regulations and industry relationships.
- Proven problem-solving, project management, and strategic planning skills.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and training skills.
- Ability to influence and resolve conflicts.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Adaptability to change.

Physical Environment/Demands:
- Up to 50% travel.
- Office environment, with some physical activity such as sitting, reaching, and lifting.

UNFI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected statuses.

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