JOB TITLE:  Vice President of Food Safety

LOCATION:  California

Job #:  7882
 

Our client is a large, fresh vegetable grower shipper with operations in California, Arizona and Mexico.  They are seeking an experienced food safety professional to serve on the executive staff as Vice President of Food Safety.  This senior level position will be responsible to ensure the food safety and quality assurance of all food products produced, harvested and shipped, both domestic and international.  The VP of Food Safety reports direct to the CEO and Board of Directors of the company.

Position Summary:  This critical position has the overall responsibility for the maintenance and continual refinement of the company’s Food Safety Program and Policies.  Implements procedures and upholds policies. Responsible for the training and direction of the quality assurance/food safety staff.  Establishes the annual budget for the Food Safety Program.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and Company defined food safety standards, systems, procedures, and practices to guarantee absolute safety of our product.

• Develop, implement, project manage and sustain new methods and procedures to drive improvements in quality and food safety.

• Obtain excellent quality results, as measured by customer complaint frequency, product evaluation scores, internal and external facility and operational audit scores, quality systems compliance, and other formal and informal feedback mechanisms, using new and existing methods, procedures, and systems.

• Provide technical expertise in the area of product development, food science and regulatory compliance.

• Responsible for overseeing the hiring, staffing, training and development, and performance management of all Food Safety Manager positions.

• Provide technical advice to crisis management team if situation arises.

Qualifications:

• BS Degree in food science, plant science, agriculture or related field is required.  Master of Science degree in an Agricultural field with an emphasis on microbiology and plant science is preferred.

• Seven years experience in Agricultural Products Food Safety with emphasis on microbiology and plant science

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Proficient computer skills

• Knowledge of laws and regulations of agricultural chemicals

• Bilingual English/Spanish is highly preferred.

• Frequent travel

Please forward resume along with salary considerations in confidence to: