Director Of Food Safety And Quality Assurance (Beef Processing)

Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance

Location - Selma, California

Harris Ranch Beef Company is one of the largest fully integrated Beef producers in the Western United States, controlling all aspects of beef production, including cattle sourcing, feeding and processing. Harris Ranch Beef Company carries an expansive product line which includes fresh boxed beef, value-added ground beef, fresh seasoned beef, fully cooked beef entrees and deli meats. Harris Ranch Beef Company is currently looking for a Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In this role, you will be responsible to lead a team and organization to develop quality standards and programs, which assures production of products to meet customers and company expectations.

The position is responsible to lead the organization to maintain GFSI and regulatory compliance with food safety and quality expectations in the production of fresh beef and further processed meat and poultry products and be the primary contact with the USDA, FDA agencies.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Masters of Science Degree in Animal Science, Meat Science, Food Science, or similar field; or five (5) years related experience and/or training in various ascending leadership roles in Food Safety and Quality departments, or equivalent combination of education and training.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Significant experience and success developing relationships with customers which has led to growth and ability to resolve issues to mutual satisfaction
• Significant experience in developing food safety and quality programs and initiatives to meet evolving requirements and customer expectations
• Industry and government (USDA) contacts developed and utilized for resource support
• Meat industry experience preferred; food manufacturing industry experience required
• Strong MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills required
• Strong problem solving skills and attention to detail
• Experience in managing laboratory and regulatory functions of the facilities is preferred
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment where change and growth are part of the culture
• Excellent written/verbal communication/presentation skills
• Ability to travel at least once per month
• Ability to influence and drive culture, develop and hold teams accountable, multi-task oriented and a team player in a highly collaborative culture
• Experience with evaluating and managing food safety programs /software and leading efforts to select and implement new programs

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Talent Management

• Grow the leadership abilities and technical knowledge of the team
• Conduct performance reviews
• Remove obstacles within the organization to ensure success
• Set expectations and hold team accountable
• Unify the team to common objectives
• Lead company efforts to develop programs to prevent food safety and quality issues
• Coach direct reports to align with company goals

Strategy, Planning & Vision

• Develop and implement a vision for Food Safety & Quality.
• Lead budgeting process for FSQA team
• Set strategy for FSQA team
• Lead continuous improvement efforts for FSQA team

Company Support

• Represent the company at industry, regulatory, and academic events
• Present large scale food safety & quality issue resolution to leadership team
• Communicate and respond to USDA, FDA, and other regulatory agencies
• Advocate for food safety and quality (2 way communication)
• Align resources to reinforce food safety and quality culture
• Lead company efforts to maintain regulatory and GFSI compliance
• Participate in leadership meetings, USDA meetings, and customer meetings

Performance Management

• Provide feedback on work product and results
• Review current projects of team
• Ensure KPIs are in place and being used to drive performance of the team

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Harris Ranch Beef Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates are evaluated and selected based on their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decisions on employee's or applicant's citizenship, race, age, color, sex, religion, natural origin, sexual orientation, handicap, or disability, marital status, veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.