Vice President Food Safety and Quality Assurance
Company: UNFI
Location: Eden Prairie
Posted on: May 4, 2024
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Job Description:
PURPOSE:At UNFI, our vision is to have a world class food safety
management system that achieves the highest level of industry
standards and exceeds consumer expectations. The Vice President,
Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) is responsible for the
comprehensive FSQA program for UNFI. This position will direct the
development and execution of FSQA policy, as well as the strategic
planning to ensure compliance of regulatory standards and overall
company expectations. The VP FSQA will be a champion of a sound
food safety culture through the organization and will provide
technical leadership on FSQA programs to all levels of the
organization. This position will serve as the functional leader on
FSQA matters to the company s stakeholders including but not
limited to supply chain and operations, human resources, legal, and
corporate affairs.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Execute FSQA strategy and
workplan, get stakeholders aligned to strategy, vision, and
priorities for upcoming year to motivate and influence the creation
of a world class food safety culture.Representative of UNFI FSQA
Team for priority matters: Act as the UNFI liaison for escalated
regulatory agencies, other governmental or public entities as well
as customer, supplier, and consumer matters. Serve as the FSQA
leader in presenting FSQA initiatives and updates to senior
leadership and other stakeholder groups as needed.Active
participation with all current and potential customers and
suppliers on FSQA program expectations and requirements.Ensure
compliance with applicable food safety regulatory requirements
(Federal, State/Provincial, local including but not limited to FDA,
USDA, Dept of Agriculture) (and collaborate with regulatory
authorities in areas regarding product withdrawals and
recalls.Develop and execute on the FSQA management system to drive
compliance programs, food safety plans, dashboards with leading and
lagging indicators, and continuous training programs for all UNFI
employees.Analyze, develop, and communicate annual FSQA targets for
the organization. Review monthly FSQA metrics, identify trends, and
develop plans to mitigate risks and implement action
plans.Collaborate and partner with all departments to influence and
manage FSQA resources, projects, and business directions to balance
business and operational needs. Drive continuous product, process,
and technology improvements through cross-functional and
interdepartmental team collaboration.Track effectiveness of pest
management and sanitation programs through development of robust
pre-operational inspection program, audits, training, and
SOPs.Responsible for driving and providing oversight for
transformational projects (including new Traceability rule).Build a
high-performing team to ensure the FSQA strategy is executed
successfully, including hiring talent, onboarding, coaching, and
driving accountability of the team. Lead annual talent
calibrations.Build and maintain a culture where the FSQA team are
viewed as business partners promoting collaboration with internal
and external customers to maintain quality and food safety
standards across the supply chain.JOB REQUIREMENTS:Education/
Certifications/or Equivalent combination of education training and
experience:Bachelor s degree with major course work in Food
Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, or other closely related
field is required.Master s degree with major course work in Food
Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, or other closely related
field preferred. HACCP, FSMA PCQI and GFSI (SQF) certifications
required.Certifications and knowledge of ISO 22000 food safety
management system standard highly desirable.Experience:15+ years
related experience in food safety work experience. 10+ years prior
experience leading large matrix and non-matrix teams of FSQA
professionals and building high performing teams.Experience
actively working with stakeholders at all levels of the
organization to strategically solve problems, manage projects, and
drive performance while maintaining long-term strategies.
Proficiency in understanding complex food safety regulatory and
scientific publications, and ability to translate technical content
to provide guidance to teams and
stakeholders.Knowledge/Skills/AbilitiesStrong written & verbal
communication skills, analytical ability, leadership strength and
ability to work effectively with teams are required.Excellence
ability to investigate incidents to find root cause, identify
innovative solutions and drive actions to closure.Excellent ability
to develop and present business plans and strategies to influence
company decision-makers. Strong working knowledge of federal and
local food safety regulations in both US and Canada.Ability to
coordinate planning and collaboration with other business functions
in a way that is mutually beneficial and drives continuous
improvement. Ability to analyze and independently resolve a variety
of difficult situations and problems using timely and data-based
decision-making.Ability to devise, present, and implement business
plans and strategies to influence various levels of management,
employees, and customers.Strong training and coaching
skills.Ability to manage large scale locations and/or multiple
locations.Ability to work flexible hours.Excellent communication
and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence effectively
with all levels of management, employees, and customers.Excellent
time management skills.Excellent organizational and analytical
skills.Ability to prioritize tasks.Adapts well to and initiates
change in the organization. Proficient with Microsoft Word, Power
point and Excel.PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTS/DEMANDSRemote position with
willingness to travel up to 50% of the time. Incumbent may sit for
long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.While
performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly
required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with
hands and arms; and talk or hear. Incumbent may use calculators,
keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment during a normal
workday.Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required
in the completion of job duties.Specific vision abilities required
by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral
vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.The above
statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work
performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must
comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The
responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so
classified may vary within each department and/or location.All
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment
without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin,
disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal
Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and
respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA
Federal Contractor.
Keywords: UNFI, Eden Prairie , Vice President Food Safety and Quality Assurance, Executive , Eden Prairie, Minnesota
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