Sr. Food Safety & Quality Specialist - Fresh Kitchens

Kroger; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Kroger is seeking a Sr. Food Safety & Quality Specialist for Fresh Kitchens to lead the development and oversight of corporate food safety systems and guide facilities in implementing and validating plans.

The role coordinates SQF certification, drives improvements with Lean/Six Sigma, and coaches a team while interacting with cross-functional groups to ensure compliance and product quality across the network.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science or related field.
• HACCP certification and SQF/GFSI implementation experience.
• FDA/USDA regulatory knowledge and Preventive Controls training.
• Strong leadership, training, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and oversight of corporate food safety policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Guide facilities in designing, improving and validating food safety and quality plans across all processes.
• Direct efforts to implement and sustain SQF certification and regulatory alignment.
• Analyze customer feedback trends and drive cross-functional quality improvements.
• Drive Lean/Six Sigma, SPC, and root cause analysis for continuous improvement.
• Coach and develop leaders and associates in quality systems and issue resolution.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Six Sigma

Lead Auditor

Regulatory knowledge

SPC

Training

InfinityQS

SharePoint

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food science

HACCP certification

Tools

InfinityQS

SharePoint

Microsoft Office

Job description

Sr. Food Safety & Quality Specialist - Fresh Kitchens

Job Description

Leads the development and oversight of Kroger’s corporate food safety and quality systems. Guides manufacturing facilities in implementing and validating food safety plans, ensures SQF certification, and drives resolution of systemic product quality issues. Oversees supplier compliance, monitors regulatory changes, and leads cross-functional initiatives to improve food safety performance. Supervises and coaches direct reports while contributing to strategic planning and continuous improvement across the network. Demonstrates the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and strategic oversight of corporate food safety policies, procedures, and training programs
• Guide manufacturing facilities in designing, improving and validating food safety and quality plans across all manufacturing processes
• Direct efforts to implement and sustain SQF certification, ensuring alignment with Kroger’s standards and regulatory requirements
• Evaluate and validate changes to food safety plans that impact product safety and quality across the network
• Stay current with regulatory developments and proactively adapt corporate strategies to maintain compliance
• Analyze customer feedback trends and lead cross-functional initiatives to resolve systemic product quality issues
• Drive continuous improvement using advanced Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, including SPC and root cause analysis
• Lead strategic planning efforts to enhance quality programs and influence future initiatives
• Provide independent coaching and direction to plan operations on quality systems and issue resolution
• Oversee corrective action processes to ensure sustainable solutions and prevent reoccurrence
• Monitor and support supplier food safety compliance of Kroger corporate brand suppliers
• Supervise and coach direct reports in the completion of their duties
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Qualifications

Minimum

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, dairy science, bakery science, food microbiology or related field
• 6+ years of progressive food manufacturing, food safety and quality experience
• HACCP certification
• SQF and/or GFSI implementation experience
• FDA Preventive Controls Training (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual
• Demonstrated knowledge and implementation of regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA, PMO)
• Proven application of regulatory requirements and guidance into plant policies
• Involvement in food safety, quality and/or regulatory focused professional organizations
• Strong facilitation and training skills
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills
• Strong critical thinking skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated excellence in project planning, problem solving and execution
• Proven leadership skills: coaching and developing leaders and associates
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with frontline employees, peers and executives
• Ability to drive positive change in processes, systems and culture
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and Lean/Six Sigma
• Proficient with product lifecycle management systems, quality systems such as InfinityQS and SharePoint
• 8+ years of progressive experience in food safety and quality assurance
• Specialized knowledge/experience in food safety programs such as pest management, sanitation, GMPs, policy writing, chemical hazards
• Varied knowledge of multiple food categories, including dairy, bakery, etc.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher
• Lead Auditor certification and/or experience

Job Info

• Job Identification 233776
• Job Category Retail Operations
• Posting Date 09/25/2026, 03:53 PM
• Locations 1014 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, US (On-site)

The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well-Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:

– A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
– Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.
– Emotional and financial support with free counseling through our Employee Assistance Program and free, confidential financial tools and coaching.
– Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.
– Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career, through our industry-leading Continuing Education program.
– Vast potential for growth, through an abundance of industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways.

From one tiny Cincinnati grocery store more than a century ago, we’ve grown into what today is the nation’s largest grocer with nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states operating under 28 different names. As America’s grocer, we take pride in bringing diverse teams with a passion for food and people together with one common purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. With a history of innovation, we work tirelessly to create amazing experiences for our customers, communities AND each other, with food at the heart of it all.
Here, people matter. That’s why we strive to provide the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for success at work and in life. We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you’re caring, purpose-driven and hungry to learn, your potential is unlimited.
Whether you’re seeking a part-time position or a new career path, we’ve got a fresh opportunity for you.