About the Role

The Senior Manager, Food Safety and Quality Assurance is responsible for overseeing all food safety protocols, quality assurance processes, and lab operations within both centralized and decentralized operations. This role involves developing and implementing comprehensive safety systems, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal standards. The role requires a proactive leader who can work closely with cross-functional teams to safeguard food safety and quality across our expanding network.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

• Develop and drive the Food Safety and Quality Assurance strategy for centralized and decentralized operations, aligned with organizational objectives.
• Build and lead a high-performing team, providing training and mentorship to ensure consistent food safety and quality across all levels.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to set and meet performance goals related to food safety, quality assurance, compliance, and lab efficiency.

Quality Assurance

• Establish and monitor quality control standards for raw materials, production processes, and final products, ensuring consistency and adherence to organizational standards.
• Lead regular audits and inspections across all facilities, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Develop metrics and reporting frameworks to monitor product quality, safety incidents, and resolution timelines.

Food Safety Protocols

• Design, implement, and maintain food safety programs such as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP.
• Oversee and continuously improve sanitation practices and contamination prevention in all operational environments.
• Lead incident response for any food safety emergencies, including conducting root cause analyses and preventive action plans.

Certification Management

• Drive and oversee the certification process for relevant standards, including ISO, HACCP, and other regulatory or industry-specific certifications.
• Ensure compliance with all certification requirements through regular internal audits, documentation updates, and best practices.
• Collaborate with external auditors and regulatory bodies during certification inspections, providing all necessary documentation and follow-up actions.
• Train and guide the team on certification standards, embedding certification requirements into day-to-day operations to maintain continuous compliance.

Lab Operations Management

• Oversee lab testing and analysis processes for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Develop and implement lab protocols, equipment maintenance schedules, and quality control checks to ensure reliable, efficient lab operations.
• Maintain accurate records of lab results, and work with other departments to address any discrepancies or quality concerns highlighted through lab testing.
• Manage lab staff, ensuring they are trained on procedures, safety, and best practices in food testing and quality analysis.
• Collaborate with procurement and operations to ensure lab supplies and equipment are available and functional, minimizing downtime.

Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure compliance with all local, national, and international food safety regulations and standards relevant to both centralized and decentralized operations.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for all quality assurance protocols, lab operations, audit findings, and corrective actions taken.
• Stay current with food safety and lab operation regulations, incorporating best practices into Food For Education’s processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Product Development, and Lab teams to establish a unified approach to quality and safety across all departments.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for food safety, lab operations, and quality, advising on best practices and supporting other teams in decision-making.
• Partner with the Communications team to prepare food safety and quality reports for stakeholders and regulatory bodies as required.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in food safety, lab operations, and quality standards.
• Implement a continuous improvement culture within the Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and Lab teams, encouraging knowledge sharing and adopting industry-leading practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Public Health, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., HACCP ,FSSC, ISO) are highly desirable.
• 7+ years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or lab operations, with at least 3 years in a managerial capacity.
• Demonstrated experience in both centralized and decentralized food production environments.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations, HACCP principles, lab testing protocols, and quality control methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communicator with strong organizational and documentation abilities.