FSQA Manager-Cooler Operations

Title: FSQA Manager-Cooler Operations
Salary Range: $120,000 - $125,000 Annually
Status: Exempt
Location: Marina, CA or Gonzalez, CA
Reports to: FSQA Supply Chain VP

GENERAL DISCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager – Cooler Operations plays a key role in our company’s commitment to the production of safe, fast, cold and consistent fresh produce. The nature of this position requires leadership skills with staff and teams across the company. The FSQA Manager – Cooler Operations interacts across inter-departmental boundaries in a professional, pro-active manner, avoiding conflicts and exemplifying a collaborative spirit.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS / DUTIES OF THE POSITION:
• Ensure that all FSQA programs and procedures are implemented correctly, with a mentality of continuous improvement and high integrity.
• Manage and develop staff in understanding and properly executing the correct procedures associated with programs such as Environmental Monitoring Program, Good Manufacturing Practices, Good Hygiene Practices, Sanitation Program, Shipping & Receiving Program, Food Defense, Quality Program, Employee Safety Programs, and other applicable programs.
• Foster a collaborative environment between all staff with an emphasis on coaching, motivating, and supporting employees.
• In conjunction with the cooler operations personnel, provide training on FSQA practices and assist in development/continuous improvement of FSQA programs.
• Process large volumes of data or information and communicate recommendations for further improvement to mitigate FSQA risks.
• Effectively communicate scientific and technical information to both technical and non-technical personnel.
• Have knowledge of and adhere to FSMA regulations and guidelines associated with all supply chain elements.
• Manage USDA NOP Organic handling requirements, including organic integrity, cross-contact management, identification & traceability of organic products and certifying body audits.
• Lead the Food Safety Program HACCP Reviews and Management Reviews.
• Audit and maintain FSQA business relationships with external cooling operations and packinghouses.
• Responsible for training and day-to-day oversight of Quality Technicians.
• Execute cross-functional projects that meet the technical and business objectives of TheogCompanies while fostering a collaborative environment.
• In conjunction with cooler operations, manage quality inspections, compliance with internal and customer quality specifications and work to unify quality standards applicable across the organization.
• Travel to various regions, primarily within California & Arizona, including ogC facilities in the Salinas Valley.
• Quality, Specification, or Food Safety issues must be reported to Director – FSQA Coolers & Conventional Ag Ops, ExVP of FSQA or other senior leadership members.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:
• 3-5 years in FSQA/Sanitation related experience. Experience in produce operations is preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience required.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
• Must be flexible, even-tempered, persuasive and a good mediator. Able to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills required, ability to conduct food safety audits, communicate effectively with technical and non-technical personnel, knowledge of food microbiology,
• Knowledge of sanitation techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of related Federal and State food safety regulations.
• Competency in computer word processing (MS Word), Spreadsheet (Excel) and Database Software (Access) required. Ability to learn internal systems such as MS Business Central, JD Edwards, SafetyChain, KipTraq and other software platforms that facilitate business activities.
• Bi-lingual, bi-literate Spanish/English is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to lift up to 10-25 pounds, identify and distinguish colors, work in extreme cold some of the time in a cooler environment and ability to work in outside elements.

WORK HOUR & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
• Travel as needed, domestically, Marina, CA, Gonzales, CA, Salinas, CA, Huron, CA, Santa Maria, CA, El Centro, CA, Yuma, AZ and other locations within TheogCompanies’ network of facilities, ranches, vendors and customers as needed to support seasonal and year-round business activities.
• Flexibility with schedule as needed with the ability to work beyond normal business hours, weekends, rotating shifts preferred/required.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Food Science, Microbiology, Plant Science, Postharvest Physiology or related field required, or having a combination of education and work experience demonstrated to fit the requirements of the position.

EEO STATEMENT: We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) English
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Spanish
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) English
Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Spanish
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)