Vice President Food Safety and Quality Assurance

Company: UNFI
Location: Eden Prairie
Posted on: April 18, 2024

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