Innovative Produce is a sixth generation produce farming company located in California’s beautiful Santa Maria Valley. We’re passionate about farming and production practices that result in the healthiest and most delicious organic and conventional products available anywhere. Innovation is more than part of our company name. Food safety in our growing practices, harvest operations, and throughout the supply chain is fueled by our culture and pursuit of innovation. We keep researching and investing in our already world-class safety practices.
We strive to lead the industry. Our company goals keep us grounded and focused on what matters most and we feel strongly about hiring team members that are aligned with our company values that include Respect, Trust, Open-mindedness, Humility, Fairness, Courage & Accountability.
We are seeking a Food Safety Specialist to join our team in Santa Maria, CA. Responsible for coordination and oversight of the company's food safety program to assure all company products are safe for consumption and meet all relevant food safety laws, regulations, and contractual requirements. This position works under the general direction of the company’s CEO.
Job Duties:
- Responsible for oversight, administration, and implementation of food safety program.
- Maintain close communication with CEO on day-to-day activities, customer & industry requirements and potential food safety concerns.
- Ensure company compliance with all government laws and regulations, along with industry group and contractual requirements pertaining to food safety.
- Prepare and maintain information for all food safety audits.
- Act as a liaison between Innovative Produce and outside food safety auditors.
- Ensure food safety program is implemented as it is written.
- Work with production employees to implement any necessary food safety corrective actions.
- Take emergency action as needed during a food safety crisis or recall situation.
- Act as chairperson of food safety committee.
- Work with management to predict how changes to the food safety program will affect production and together with management, prepare company employees to adhere to changes.
- Work with production supervisors and foremen to achieve food safety goals.
- Inspect production operations for unidentified food safety risks.
- Represent company to all relevant food safety certification organizations.
- Other activities as directed by the employer, from time to time.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this position. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or 3 years food safety or farm management experience.
- Strong leadership skills.
- Represent the company in a professional manner.
- Strong verbal/written communication skills.
- Must be bilingual – oral and written fluency (English/Spanish).
- Understanding of Microsoft Office and general business software
- Valid California driver’s license, clean DMV record.
- Position requires driving a company vehicle to visit different farm sites.
Salary: $68,640 to $80,000 DOE
Our company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law.
This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits and termination.