Manager, Food Safety and R&D

Come join our wonderful team culture!! You will be an integral part of our operations, making world class sauces, everything from ketchup to our well known Da’Bomb sauce (featured on YouTube’s Hot Ones). Spicin Foods is a world class sauce manufacturer.

Position Responsibilities

The Manager role is a key hands-on leader who is responsible for:

• Food Quality : Review production line activities to ensure all Food Safety and Food Quality audit requirements are met. Review and sign off on documentation pertaining to all quality systems. Reviews all products produced in the facility and ensures adherence to regulatory and Company standards. Assists in maintaining documentation of all required quality tests and activities. Ensure standard guidelines with GMP's and monitor that all SOP's are being performed daily. Partner with Operations to manage and conduct certification programs: BRC, FSMA, Kosher, Organic, Gluten Free and Non-GMO. Evaluate findings, implement appropriate corrective and preventive actions, ensuring corrective closure. Ascertains the maturity or stability of raw ingredients, evaluates the safety, quality, and nutritional value of finished. Resolve product development issues in collaboration with plant operations, process improvements and cost / waste reduction projects. Develops and maintains sanitation, quality, safety, and waste management standards are met within food processing areas. Complete Supplier audits as required and evaluate suppliers based on risk. Complete raw material risk assessments.
• Food Safety Deficiencies: Communicates findings regarding any food safety concerns and implement solutions. Assists with the training plant team members regarding deficiencies and corrective actions as needed. Maintain Food Safety and Quality by enforcing GMP’s and verifying compliance with receiving, storage, handling, processing and product release policies and procedures. Resolve product development issues in collaboration with plant operations, process improvements and cost / waste reduction projects. Develops and maintains sanitation, quality, safety, and waste management standards are met within food processing areas. Complete Supplier audits as required and evaluate suppliers based on risk. Checks and investigates customer returns and complaints; follows up on possible reasons for complaints (temperature abuse, date expiry, over order, etc.). Performs micro analysis if required. Manages the hold and release program and takes appropriate action when any product fails to meet required specifications.
• Product Development: Working together with Sales team and customers for new product development and enhancing current products. Develop recipes and procedures for large scale production; utilize culinary skills and experience in food product development, including reading and following recipes. Participate in all stages of product development, from ideation to manufacturing; provide technical culinary expertise in assigned projects and verticals; plan, prioritize and complete multiple simultaneous tasks effectively within deadlines; maintain accurate and complete records. Meticulously record all tests and all pertinent analytical information; data entry of information into Nav software; provide relevant reporting; calculate costing of ingredients such that products are developed within targeted cost range. Monitor and research culinary trends, manufacturing processes, and innovations on an ongoing basis to continue to bring innovative ideas to the team. Create NFP, Nutritional Facts Panels, for finished products in ERP system. Maintains current knowledge of new regulations and developments in food science and food safety.
• Leadership: Hiring, training, developing and motivating team members to harness potential and work hard for delivery of products; assigning tasks to team members with training, giving specific direction with process and procedures to follow & carry out tasks. Guide team members in ensuring operations maintain quality and quantity requirements are met daily. Recognizes the contribution of each individual team member, encourages them to work together in harmony driving teamwork, sharing ideas, maintaining both relationships, while delivering fair and concise feedback for improvements through accountability, 1:1 development and activities to drive culture.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Candidate Overview

The successful candidate will possess:

• Bachelor’s’ Degree (BA or BS) in Food Science or equivalent.
• Understanding the requirements of BRC, FSMA, Kosher, Organic, Gluten Free and Non-GMO.
• PCQI certification and Process Authority certification preferred.
• Culinary skills and experience in food product development and continuous improvements.
• Experience with ERP systems as it applies to manufacturing.
• Physical demands: This position requires the ability to be constantly moving throughout the office and gift store which includes but not limited to walking, talking, hearing, reaching, grabbing and standing for at least 8 hours a day. May occasionally involve bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching and climbing.

The successful candidate will also demonstrate the following abilities:

• Communication: Proficient in both written and oral communication; effective interpersonal and presentation skills; with professional attitude.
• Customer Focus: Builds customer confidence by ensuring expectations and commitments are met. Establishes and maintains effective and positive relationship with customers. Acts with customers in mind and values the importance of providing high-quality customer service.
• Organized: Able to work independently; effective time management skills; able to manage multiple tasks concurrently, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines with a high attention to detail.
• Analytical: Superior critical thinking skills with the ability to research and analyze data from multiple sources and make independent decisions. Strong business acumen, including problem solving skills, critical thinking, and self-initiative.
• Adaptable: Willingness to accept change; exhibit flexibility and adaptability. Along with the ability to absorb and quickly understand new information.
• Resourceful: Ability to deliver results utilizing the resources available. Has a get-it-done mentality. (“Can Do” Spirit): Performs work with energy and drive; values planning, but will take quick, decisive action when an opportunity presents itself.