The Manager, Food Safety Microbiologist provides microbiological expertise and food safety support across the organization. The position is responsible for facilitating cross-functional collaboration to meet defined food safety parameters and in support of continuous improvement efforts. Additionally, the position is responsible for monitoring, reporting and developing strategies on emerging issues and technology related to microbiological concerns and on emerging issues and critical food safety concerns. The Manager, Food Safety Microbiologist develops testing protocols and projects, conducts trainings and provides technical support. This position is part of our Food Safety & Quality organization and reports to the Director, Food Safety & Supplier Quality.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

IL Oak Brook

Job Type:

Quality

Job Posting Title:

Manager, Food Safety Microbiologist

Job Description:

The Manager, Food Safety Microbiologist provides microbiological expertise and food safety support across the organization. The position is responsible for facilitating cross-functional collaboration to meet defined food safety parameters and in support of continuous improvement efforts. Additionally, the position is responsible for monitoring, reporting and developing strategies on emerging issues and technology related to microbiological concerns and on emerging issues and critical food safety concerns. The Manager, Food Safety Microbiologist develops testing protocols and projects, conducts trainings and provides technical support. This position is part of our Food Safety & Quality organization and reports to the Director, Food Safety & Supplier Quality.

Role and responsibilities:

• Facilitates cross-functional collaboration with Operations, QA, Food Safety, Business Unit Leaders and technical vendors, to implement microbiological programs and meet key performance indicators (KPI's). Contributes to continuous improvement efforts.

• Provides technical direction to facility personnel in the development of systems, capabilities, and practices in order to comply with all pertinent food regulations (e.g., FSMA) and company procedures. Develops protocols for preventive control validations and assists in execution and validation. Educates and provides technical support where needed.

• Provides technical direction to facility personnel in the development of systems, knowledge, capabilities, and practices in order to comply with all applicable food safety regulations, company procedures and external audits (such as customer, GSFI, Regulatory and Organic). Educates and provides technical support where needed.

• Designs microbiological challenge studies, and scientifically validated risk management studies to extend product shelf life and insure minimal regulatory risk as errors in judgment are extremely costly.

• Monitors and reports on emerging issues related to food safety and quality. Recommends strategies and develops policies and procedures to mitigate. Delivers expertise and technical advice on complex and critical food safety concerns.

• Develops programs for conducting risk assessments, verification, validation and monitoring of effectiveness of food safety plans, company food safety procedures and regulations for current processes and new line and equipment commissioning.

• Provides technical expertise and direction facility QA managers and Sanitarians during plant sanitation issues such as microbiological and environmental controls.

• Ensures facilities verify and validate microbiological tests annually.

• Promotes consistency and aligns across divisions where possible.

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list of all tasks. Additional tasks and duties may be assigned from time to time as necessitated by business needs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Food Science or Biochemistry required; Master’s degree preferred

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in microbiology, food safety and quality required

• Experience in molecular microbiology techniques including Next Generation Sequencing (including familiarity with bioinformatics), PCR, RT-PCR, genetic subtyping, etc. required

• Experience with diverse food production processes required

• HACCP certification, SQF practitioner and PCQI certification preferred

• Experience influencing and leading multiple, remote locations required

• Experience providing guidance and effective training and counsel to others required

• Ability to understand and analyze issues involving food manufacturing, project management, mathematics (including statistics), technical and legal documents

• Ability to write and disseminate policies and procedures

• Ability to communicate technical information to various levels of management and senior leadership

• Ability to understand food and environmental regulations and their impact on the organization, and our customers

• Strong organizational, communication and collaboration skills

• Self-directed leader capable of creating a strategic plan

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Winland Foods is a leading private label food manufacturer of pasta, dry dinners, condiments, syrups, and more with nearly 3,000 employees operating out of 14 production facilities in US, Canada, and Italy.

As a ‘newly’ established company, we are creating the building blocks for an innovative and agile organization that is purpose driven - delivering high quality food to our customers and communities. We foster an environment that encourages all employees to be heard, and values their contributions and ideas.

By joining Winland Foods, you become a part of a new team that values passion, collaboration, and strives to prosper with our customers.

To all recruitment agencies: Winland Foods does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to Winland Foods employees, or any company location(s). Winland Foods is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.