Sr. Scientist - Food Safety

The Kraft Heinz Company; Warrendale (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 38,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Health benefits

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

The Kraft Heinz Company invites applications for a Food Safety Science role focused on developing and implementing HACCP-based microbiological control programs across US and Canada facilities.

The position emphasizes collaboration with Quality teams, R&D, and external copackers to ensure product safety and regulatory compliance, with up to 30% travel and a base salary range highlighted below.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Engineering, or related field is required.
• 3-5 years of relevant food safety or processing experience.
• Prior HACCP certification and knowledge of HACCP/food safety programs across products.
• Understanding of USDA, FDA, CFIA regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of GMPs and Environmental Monitoring Programs.
• Experience with microbiology laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with ISO, Six Sigma and quality systems.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement food safety and microbiological control programs for factories and copackers.
• Guide HACCP plan development, validation, and reassessment.
• Review and implement environmental monitoring programs.
• Collaborate with R&D, QA, and operations on brand maintenance and supplier evaluations.
• Support audits and cross-functional quality projects.

Skills

HACCP guidance

Environmental monitoring

Microbiology techniques

Regulatory knowledge (USDA FDA CFIA)

Quality systems (ISO Six Sigma)

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication skills

Auditing

Travel up to 30%

Education

Master’s degree in Food Science or related field

Ph.D. preferred

Job description

Job Description

Job Summary

This role supports the development and implementation of key food safety factory and microbiological control programs for internal factories and external manufacturers within the US and Canada zones. This would include partnering with BU Quality and Copack Quality Teams on the implementation of policies and procedures related to food safety and microbiological control programs. The role also includes working with R&D on brand maintenance projects, and with other Food Safety and Quality teams and business partners to provide scientific and technical support to ensure food safety and quality.

Key Components of the role:

• Provide guidance on HACCP plan development and reanalysis/reassessment for internal factories.

• Provide guidance on validation of HACCP preventive controls.

• Review environmental monitoring programs and provide guidance on implementation of the programs of internal factories.

• Provide guidance to cross functional partners on implementation of various other food safety and microbiological control programs.

• Support troubleshooting initiatives, review of deviations and other food safety and microbiological related issues for internal factories and external manufacturers.

• Provide scientific and technical support to ensure product safety and quality during evaluation of suppliers.

• Provide scientific and technical support to ensure product safety and quality during evaluation of existing copackers.

• Provide support to Sanitation, Business Unit Quality, Supplier Quality and Copacker Quality Teams on various food safety and microbiological quality projects.

• Provide support R&D on identifying food safety/spoilage risks and review of specifications (ingredient, work in process and finished products) for brand maintenance projects.

• Provide scientific and technical support on internal, external and regulatory audits.

• Support Factories and Food Safety Innovation team on commercialization of new products related to implementation of food safety and microbiological control programs.

• Provide technical assistance to R&D and Brand Quality on addressing customer requests and inquiries.

• Assist in development and review of food safety programs and microbiological testing programs.

• Assist in conducting audits.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Engineering, or related field required. Ph.D. degree preferred.

• 3-5 years of experience of relevant food safety or food processing experience required.

• Prior HACCP certification

• Knowledge and implementation of HACCP and Food Safety programs, ideally across different product categories.

• Knowledge and in-depth understanding of various regulatory requirements (USDA, FDA, CFIA).

• Knowledge and in-depth understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices and Environmental Monitoring Programs

• Experience with microbiology laboratory techniques.

• Awareness and understanding of quality systems/processes (ISO, Six Sigma etc.)

• Excellent communication skills (presentation, report writing, teaching/training).

• Work experience in team-oriented functions as well as individual contribution.

• Action oriented with good project management skills.

• Travel requirements up to 30% a year.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

$83,400.00 - $104,200.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and savingfor the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coveragefor benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire aphysical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k,Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Heinz Innovation Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [e-mail] for assistance.