Director, Food Safety & Quality Assurance

PURPOSE: The Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance is responsible for creating a world class food safety culture for their assigned regions in which UNFI associates are proactive and interdependent when it comes to food safety. This role is a subject matter and cultural expert on food safety and supports distribution centers and operation partners on all aspects of food safety. Responsibilities include integrating food safety and sanitation programs across our enterprise to promote end-to-end confidence in food safety for our customers. Interacts with operations to ensure policies, procedures, audits, and training programs are understood and followed, including comprehensive support of all regulatory certifications. This role is responsible for leading and developing their Food Safety teams, as well as supporting risk roles within at the DC locations.JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:Be a champion of promoting, communicating, and enforcing our food safety programsBe a cultural ambassador of food safety and ensure that all associates, visitors, and vendors understand the Company?s commitment to providing safe foodBe a key advisor to the Operations Leadership team so they understand weaknesses, deficiencies, and challenges within our food safety culture and collaborate with leadership to address these issuesBe and stay current with all State, Federal, and local regulatory agencies to ensure compliance regarding local DC operationsLead Distribution Center food safety and sanitation efforts working with Merchandising and OperationsMaintain compliance with Federal, state, and local regulation as well as adhere to SQF standardsProvides direction to the distribution teams to ensure food safety and quality by providing accurate and up to date food safety policies and proceduresDirects activities in maintaining and executing effective food safety, food defense, and recall plans, policies, and processesImplement strategies to systematize continued excellent food safety practices across our organizationParticipates and provide guidance during on-site customer visits and/or discussionsCollaborates with operations during new construction or DC enhancements to ensure regulatory expectations are metProvides direction and support to Risk teams at the regional locationsConducts food safety assessments at internal DC locations, 3rd party locations, and if needed supplier sitesProvides food safety training and support to operations and internal/external customersCollaborates with operations partners to ensure compliance during facility changes and/or new site developmentsWorks with procurement and operations management to identify and plan any corrective actions necessaryInvestigates product quality and compliance issues (i.e., tampering, adulteration, mislabeling, etc.) as they develop and are reported by the media, customers, suppliers, or regulatory officialsAssists media relations in developing relevant, clear communicationsAssists customer call center operations related to customer food safety and quality assurance complaintsMaintains 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 priorityCommunicate consistently, concisely, and clearly with Regional, Merchandise, and Brands Plus leadership as to important issues, updates, changes, and initiativesSupervise Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager/Specialist and provide direction, feedback, and professional developmentPerforms other relevant job duties as requiredJOB REQUIREMENTS:Education/ Certifications: (Required/Preferred-list requirement is required or preferred)Bachelor?s Degree in Food Science, Public Health, or related field preferredHACCP, Preventive Controls Qualified Individual, and/or SQF Practitioner certifications desiredExperience:10+ years of leadership experience in food manufacturing, food wholesale, and/or food distribution programsExperience with interpreting state and federal regulations, and maintaining working relationships with industry and regulatory officialsKnowledge:Familiarity with Food Safety Modernization Act and Seafood HACCP requirementsWorking knowledge of Federal Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA) is beneficialSkills/ Abilities:Excellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to balance multiple priorities and ensure significant issues are communicated clearly to relevant stakeholdersin timely mannerExceptional presentation and training skillsProven ability to influence without authorityExceptional ability to deal with conflict in all levels and areas of the organizationAbility to work well with others to accomplish resultsPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:Travel required, 50-75%Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environmentIncumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminalWhile 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, telephone, and other office equipment as part of the normal workdayStooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in completion of job dutiesAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, 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.