Compliance Specialist

About Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite, Price Rite, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Markets, Fairway Market, Gourmet Garage and Di Bruno Bros. banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern's co-operative members benefit from the company's extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best in class procurement practices.

About You

Your contribution

The Compliance Field Specialist supports the organization's compliance program through field-based auditing, monitoring, and evaluation of retail member's compliance operations. This role assists the Members with adoption and adherence to written policies and procedures, compliance-related trainings, strengthens lines of communication, and validates effective implementation of the seven elements of an effective compliance program, and compliance with board mandated compliance programs across member locations. The Compliance Field Specialist will partner with the broader team to perform onsite assessments and monitoring of corporate compliance programs across retail locations. This position is located in Keasbey, NJ.

What you will do

• Conducts onsite assessments to evaluate compliance with policies, procedures, and the Code of Conduct.
• Provides actionable recommendations and best practices to strengthen compliance and address identified risks.
• Partners with store leadership to develop, implement, and monitor corrective action plans.
• Serves as a trusted compliance advisor, identifying opportunities, recommending solutions, and supporting implementation.
• Interprets and applies compliance requirements to varied operational situations
• Makes recommendations to leadership regarding remediation priorities and compliance strategy
• Independently identifies compliance risks, control gaps, and process improvement opportunities through audits, assessments, and field observations.
• Monitors adoption of policies, procedures, training requirements, and regulatory obligations across member locations.
• Provides coaching, guidance, and targeted education to strengthen compliance awareness and operational effectiveness.
• Conducts scheduled and ad hoc audits, validate remediation efforts, and escalate significant or recurring compliance concerns.
• Supports the development and maintenance of compliance policies, reporting mechanisms, metrics, and related program activities.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of compliance controls and recommends operational changes
• Serves as a liaison between retail locations and corporate compliance teams, ensuring timely communication, issue resolution, and sharing of best practices

What we're looking for

• Bachelor's degree required
• Professional compliance certification
• Experience conducting audits and/or investigations
• Strong communication stills
• Ability to influence without authority
• Familiarity with compliance program frameworks
• Familiarity with environmental compliance regulations
• Familiarity with internal systems (ex: Navex, Origami, Benchmark/Gensuite)
• Ethical judgment and impartiality
• Strong attention to detail
• Solid analytical skills
• Proficient Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Valid driver's license, and ability to travel 80% of the time as required

How you will succeed

• Communicate Effectively: Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well-organized manner, encouraging two-way communication.
• Build Relationships: Creates cross-functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships.
• Stay Competitive: Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work.
• Embrace Change: Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology.
• Develop You: Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth.
• Drive for Results: Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals.

How you will work

• Ability to travel to various retail locations/member headquarters throughout our trading area
• Ability to sit/stand in front of a computer for long periods of time

Company Perks

• Vibrant Food Centric Culture
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision package
• Competitive Salary and Paid Time Off
• Fitness Reimbursement and Well-Being Program
• Corporate Training and Development University
• Collaborative team environment
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401K
• Matching Gifts and Community Volunteer Involvement

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position is $77,500 - $100,000 annually. Placement in the salary depends on several factors, including experience, skills, education, geography, and budget considerations.

Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match & annual company contribution, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment. Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements.