Food Safety Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking a driven and hands-on Food Safety & Quality leader to support our dough manufacturing and distribution network. This role is responsible for ensuring best-in-class food safety and quality execution across multiple facilities, while advancing Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards such as BRC and/or SQF.

The position will play a key role in supporting new equipment and process commercialization , including par-bake, freezing, and automated packaging systems. This individual will partner cross-functionally with operations, engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to drive continuous improvement and ensure consistent product integrity across all categories. This role offers strong growth potential, with the opportunity to expand scope to additional facilities across the U.S.

Key Responsibilities

Food Safety & Quality Execution

• Drive standardization and execution of quality systems, policies, and procedures across facilities

• Support and enhance food safety and quality programs across dough manufacturing and distribution centers

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, customer, and internal food safety standards

GFSI Certification & Compliance (BRC/SQF)

• Provide leadership and hands-on support for GFSI certification efforts (BRC, SQF, or equivalent)

• Partner with site teams to prepare for, execute, and sustain successful third-party audits

• Conduct gap assessments, internal audits, and corrective action follow-ups

New Equipment & Process Implementation

• Support startup and validation of new automated production lines, including par-bake, freezing, and packaging systems

• Partner with engineering and operations teams to ensure food safety and quality requirements are embedded in design and execution

• Develop and implement quality checks, validation protocols, and process controls

Continuous Improvement & Quality Assurance

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, reduce waste, and improve process capability

• Analyze quality data and trends to identify risks and opportunities

• Drive root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with operations, supply chain, procurement, and R&D/culinary teams to support product commercialization and ongoing quality performance

• Provide training and coaching to site teams on food safety, quality systems, and best practices

Scalability & Network Support

• Support multiple facilities with the ability to expand scope across a broader U.S. network

• Travel as needed to support plant operations, audits, and project implementation

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Engineering, or related field

• 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing, quality assurance, or food safety

• Strong knowledge of GFSI standards (BRC, SQF, or similar)

• Experience supporting audits and regulatory compliance

• Familiarity with bakery, dough, or frozen food manufacturing processes preferred

• Experience with automated production and packaging systems is a plus

• Multi-site leadership and support across various locations within US

Preferred:

• Certification in HACCP, PCQI, or equivalent food safety programs

• Experience with par-bake, freezing technologies, and high-speed packaging lines

• Multi-site or network-level quality support experience

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and influencing skills in cross-functional environments

• Hands-on, problem-solving mindset with attention to detail

• Ability to balance strategic initiatives with day-to-day execution

• Data-driven decision making and continuous improvement orientation

• Effective communication and ability to work across all levels of the organization

Additional Information

• Travel: ~10% depending on project and facility needs

• Location: On-site facility in Grand Prairie, TX

• Working Conditions:

• Growth: Opportunity to expand role into broader regional or national FSQ leadership

Our Values

• EVERYONE BELONGS - We believe connectedness and belonging are the essential ingredients to our success

• DO THE RIGHT THING - We are relentlessly focused on quality and integrity and make the right choices, even when it's difficult

• PEOPLE FIRST - To craft positive experiences for our customers, we take care of each other first

• INNOVATE TO WIN - We champion and challenge for a better way in all we do

• HAVE FUN - We find joy, create meaningful impact and celebrate the journey together

Our Core Competencies

• CUSTOMER CENTRIC - We leverage data and insights to craft a customer experience that builds relationships, cultivates trust, and delivers excellence

• RESULTS DRIVEN - We focus on measurable outcomes by remaining optimistic, tenacious, and persistent even in the face of challenges

• CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT - We champion for better through strategic risk taking, experimentation and challenging the status quo

• BIAS FOR ACTION - We courageously lead, drive towards decisions, and maintain agility to meet the demands of our dynamic industry

• WINNING TOGETHER - We work together to unlock our full potential by actively collaborating and contributing in a cross-functional capacity

Papa Johns is an equal opportunity employer.

Papa Johns is a federal contractor that participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility for each new team member. We also comply with all Right to Work requirements. Official E-Verify and Right to Work notices are available for applicants to review in both English and Spanish.

It is the policy of Papa John's to provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and team members without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status or civil partnership, national or ethnic origin, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, uniformed service (as defined by 10 U.S.C. §101 (a)(5)), protected disability status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, or gender expression, or any other characteristic protected by statute or law.