Purpose:   

The Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance is responsible for creating a world class food safety culture for their assigned regions in which UNFI associates are proactive and interdependent when it comes to food safety. This role is a subject matter and cultural expert on food safety and supports distribution centers and operation partners on all aspects of food safety. Responsibilities include integrating food safety and sanitation programs across our enterprise to promote end-to-end confidence in food safety for our customers. Interacts with operations to ensure policies, procedures, audits, and training programs are understood and followed, including comprehensive support of all regulatory certifications. This role is responsible for leading and developing their Food Safety teams, as well as supporting risk roles within at the DC locations.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Be a champion of promoting, communicating, and enforcing our food safety programs 

• Be a cultural ambassador of food safety and ensure that all associates, visitors, and vendors understand the Company’s commitment to providing safe food 

• Be a key advisor to the Operations Leadership team so they understand weaknesses, deficiencies, and challenges within our food safety culture and collaborate with leadership to address these issues 

• Be and stay current with all State, Federal, and local regulatory agencies to ensure compliance regarding local DC operations 

• Lead Distribution Center food safety and sanitation efforts working with Merchandising and Operations 

• Maintain compliance with Federal, state, and local regulation as well as adhere to SQF standards 

• Provides direction to the distribution teams to ensure food safety and quality by providing accurate and up to date food safety policies and procedures 

• Directs activities in maintaining and executing effective food safety, food defense, and recall plans, policies, and processes 

• Implement strategies to systematize continued excellent food safety practices across our organization 

• Participates and provide guidance during on-site customer visits and/or discussions 

• Collaborates with operations during new construction or DC enhancements to ensure regulatory expectations are met 

• Provides direction and support to Risk teams at the regional locations 

• Conducts food safety assessments at internal DC locations, 3rd party locations, and if needed supplier sites 

• Provides food safety training and support to operations and internal/external customers 

• Collaborates with operations partners to ensure compliance during facility changes and/or new site developments 

• Works with procurement and operations management to identify and plan any corrective actions necessary 

• Investigates product quality and compliance issues (i.e., tampering, adulteration, mislabeling, etc.) as they develop and are reported by the media, customers, suppliers, or regulatory officials 

• Assists media relations in developing relevant, clear communications 

• Assists customer call center operations related to customer food safety and quality assurance complaints 

• Maintains active working relationships with all appropriate industry and regulatory bodies 

• Consistently drive and execute innovation for food safety messaging, development of food safety culture, and nurture the belief that food safety is and should always be everyone’s top priority 

• Communicate consistently, concisely, and clearly with Regional, Merchandise, and Brands Plus leadership as to important issues, updates, changes, and initiatives

• Supervise Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager/Specialist and provide direction, feedback, and professional development 

Performs other relevant job duties as required 

Job Requirements: 

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Public Health, or related field preferred 

• HACCP, Preventive Controls Qualified Individual, and/or SQF Practitioner certifications highly desired

Experience:

• 10+ years of leadership experience in food manufacturing, food wholesale, and/or food distribution programs 

• Experience with interpreting state and federal regulations, and maintaining working relationships with industry and regulatory officials 

Knowledge:

• Familiarity with FDA Food Code, Food Safety Modernization Act and Seafood HACCP requirements

• Working knowledge of Federal Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA) is beneficial

Skills/ Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Ability to balance multiple priorities and ensure significant issues are communicated clearly to relevant stakeholders in timely manner 

• Exceptional presentation and training skills 

• Proven ability to influence without authority 

• Exceptional ability to deal with conflict in all levels and areas of the organization 

• Ability to work well with others to accomplish results  

• Travel required, 50-75%

• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

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