FSQA Partner

Purpose:The most important value at UNFI is “Do the Right Thing – Put Safety and Integrity at the Forefront of Everything We Do.” The FSQA Partner position will aid the organization deliver on this critical value – day in and day out. The role is fast-paced and complex and has responsibility for helping maintain a world class food safety culture in which UNFI associates are proactive and interdependent when it comes to food safety.Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with food safety, sanitation, and pest control programs within their location. Interacts with Distribution Center (DC) leadership teams to ensure policies, procedures, audits, and training programs are understood and followed. This includes comprehensive support of any and all regulatory certifications.Job Responsibilities:Coordinates food safety, sanitation, and pest control compliance efforts as requiredEnsures regulatory standards are met by third party sanitation and pest elimination providers by conducting occasional joint surveys/visitsConducts food safety assessments at internal DC location and 3rd party locations if neededEnsures compliance with 3rd party certificationsReview findings with DC leadership and ensures corrective action plans are detailed and completed with leadership support to improve food safety cultureBe and stay current with all State, Federal, and local regulatory agencies to ensure compliance regarding local DCOperations as well as adhere to SQF standardsUses available metrics and reporting systems to track and measure food safety performance, identifying exceptions to outstanding performance and influencing leadership to resolve specific and cultural opportunitiesManages SQF, GDP, and food safety programs, including document review of records, associate training, and oversight of corrective actionsDirects activities in maintaining and executing effective food safety, food defense, and recall plans, policies, and processes in Distribution Center operationsProvides food safety training and support to operations and internal/external partnersCollaborates with operations partners to ensure compliance during facility changes and/or new site developmentsInvestigates product quality and compliance issues (i.e. tampering, adulteration, mislabeling, etc.)Maintains active working relationships with all appropriate industry and regulatory bodiesConsistently 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 priorityPerforms other relevant job duties as requiredJob Requirements:Education/Certification:Associate degree in Biology, Food Science, Public Health, Environmental Science or related field requiredHACCP, Preventive Controls Qualified Individual, and/or SQF Practitioner certifications highly desiredExperience:3+ years’ experience in related food fieldsExperience with interpreting state and federal regulations, and maintaining working relationships with industry and regulatory officialsAbility to coordinate planning and collaboration with other business functions in a way that is mutually beneficial and drives continuous improvementAbility to analyze and independently resolve a variety of difficult situations and problems using timely decision makingKnowledge:Familiarity with FDA Food Code, Food Safety Modernization Act and Seafood HACCP requirementsFamiliarity with GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) schemesWorking knowledge of Federal Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA) is beneficialSkills/ Abilities:Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to interact and influence effectively with all levels of management, employees, and customers and experience collaborating with unionsAbility to balance multiple priorities and ensure significant issues are communicated clearly to relevant stakeholders in timely mannerStrong analytical skills required for data interpretation and analysisComputer skills in word-processing and spreadsheet software preferredMust be able to interface effectively with a wide variety of personnelPossess ability to communicate concepts, systems, procedures, etc., in a training environmentExperience in training large groups is helpfulMust possess leadership ability to inspire others to achieve desired resultsFlexible and adaptable to learning and understanding new technologiesProficient with Microsoft Word, Power point and ExcelAdapts well to and initiates change in the organizationLimited travel may be requiredGood judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.