Food Safety Specialist

Job Summary of Food Safety Specialist:

The Food Safety Specialist ensures compliance with company policy, food safety standards, government regulations, and industry best practices. This role supports all functional areas by managing current food safety programs, assisting with development and implementation of new initiatives, and providing technical guidance to stores and leadership.

Responsibilities of Food Safety Specialist:

• Monitor compliance of all Food Safety and Quality Assurance programs
• Provide Food Safety technical support and consultation to store and support leadership
• Conduct internal food safety assessments and ensure corrective actions are implemented
• Manage recalls by initiating notifications, communicating with leadership, and monitoring developments
• Collaborate with third-party inspectors and auditors as needed
• Benchmark against industry best practices to maintain food safety leadership
• Provide food safety training and recommend additional formal training
• Investigate and analyze food safety-related customer complaints and take corrective action
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory guidelines and ensure compliance
• Evaluate and assist with development of food safety processes, procedures, specifications, and critical control points
• Perform other duties as assigned and maintain regular, timely attendance

Qualifications and Experience of Food Safety Specialist:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or a related field
• 2-5 years of food safety involvement or related experience
• Understanding of GMP, HACCP, and food safety principles
• Ability to continue education and training in food safety programs
• Proven ability to complete projects and manage multiple priorities
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and OneNote

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Professional presence required at both store and office locations
• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods
• Travel by car to stores, events, and presentations as scheduled
• Occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds

Work Schedule:

Full-time position, typically Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm, with occasional nights and weekends as business dictates. This role involves up to 75% store involvement with some overnight travel (10-15%).

Benefits:

• 15% off grocery purchases for you and your immediate household
• Weekly pay with $1 premium per hour on Sundays and select holidays; full-time associates receive time and a half on Sundays and select holidays
• Schedules provided two weeks in advance for predictability and flexibility
• Vision and dental coverage options for part-time and full-time associates
• Paid parental leave, fitness reimbursement program, Employee Assistance Program, and access to LEAPCare Care Coaches
• 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan with company match to support retirement planning

Salary:

Compensation is competitive and based on experience and qualifications.

About Company:

Festival Foods is a Wisconsin-based, family- and employee-owned grocer operating over 40 full-service supermarkets. The company is committed to providing high-quality products and exceptional service, giving back to the communities it serves, and fostering a team-oriented environment with professional growth opportunities for associates.