Manager of Food Safety & Quality Assurance

CAVA•Plano, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

At CAVA we make it deliciously simple to eat well and feel good every day. We are guided by a Mediterranean heritage that’s been perfecting how to eat and live for four thousand years. We prioritize authenticity, curiosity and the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. We are working towards something big, together. We foster a culture built on five core values: Generosity First, Always: We lead with kindness. Our best work happens when we act in service of others. Constant Curiosity: We are eager to learn, grow, and explore beyond the obvious. Act with Agility: We welcome change; it’s the only constant. We embrace, adjust, adapt. Passion for Positivity: We greet each day with warmth and possibility. Collective Ambition: We have high aspirations that are achieved when we work together with a shared purpose. Hybrid role - based in Plano, TX or Washington DC Manager of Food Safety (Supplier & Distribution Compliance): The Manager of Food Safety & Quality Assurance (Supplier & Distribution Compliance) will have an opportunity to collaborate with various suppliers and distribution partners to ensure they meet or exceed regulatory requirements as well as CAVA food safety and quality standards. This position will help support CAVA’s growth through leading initiatives that help define how CAVA approaches supplier onboarding, compliance, and traceability. The ideal candidate has influential leadership skills, is naturally curious, can utilize data to identify trends and is able to successfully develop and implement strategic initiatives resulting in a positive impact to FSQA and CAVA. This position will play an active role overseeing and managing supplier performance, identifying trend reports for problem solving, play an important role in managing software solutions for suppliers and products and other needed task the job required. This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all the duties and responsibilities of the position, and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice. This person will travel approximately 30%.

Requirements

Strong management skills, collaborative and able to work well in a team environment with both internal and external contacts and is able communicate in a clear and concise manner.
Bachelor's Degree (BS) in related field, such as Food Science, Microbiology or Biochemistry.
7+ years of experience related to food safety, regulatory, supplier and distribution compliance.
Experience with supplier and distribution center auditing, monitoring, and designing/implementing approval and compliance programs.
Has a comprehensive understanding and experience with quality systems and food processing food safety programs, including but not limited to GFSI standards, audit schemes and Certification Bodies.
Comfortable analyzing information and communicating findings, recommendations and insights utilizing data analysis tools (i.e. Excel).
Proficient in MS Office programs.
Must be able to travel as needed (30%+) and able to work flexible hours.
Ability to maintain stationary position to be able to operate a computer and other office equipment
Must be able to identify, analyze and assess details
For certain positions, must be able to occasionally move or transport items up to 50 pounds
Ability to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively
Constantly positions self and move about to support ordinary restaurant or food production support or office operations, as applicable
Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Function as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Food Safety and Quality Assurance related items, regulations, and legislation as they pertain to supplier and distribution center requirements.
Assist with continuous improvement initiatives, use problem solving and risk analysis where appropriate as well as making strategic recommendations to improve outcomes and enhance programs.
Implement strategy to utilize data and reporting to identify trends or assist with investigations, resulting in improvements to processes, products, and systems.
Present findings and propose recommendations to the FSQA team, leadership, and cross functional partners.
Assist with defining, enhancing, and monitoring supplier and distributor onboarding and compliance processes.
Provide coaching and support to team, demonstrating leadership through effective communication, strategic goal setting, training, development, celebrating accomplishments and providing feedback.
Assist and support traceability and recall programs (including mock exercises), ensuring they meet or exceed regulatory requirements.
Work closely with other departments to provide guidance on, and assure implementation of, Food Safety and Quality Assurance programs.
Abide by policies and procedures that support the service mindset.
Meet timeline expectations and deliver on our responsibilities accordingly.
Earn the trust of Team Members and Managers by consistently embracing CAVA’s values.
Show discipline in bringing consistent performance, communication, and attitude to the job every day.
Actively contribute to your department in order to complete tasks and meet company goals.
Recognize the emotional stake each Team Member has in personal and organizational success of this business.

Benefits

Competitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives
Early Wage Access!
Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, plus paid opportunities to give back to the community
Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more!
401k enrollment with CAVA contribution
Company-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions
Free CAVA food
Casual work environment
The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand
All exempt and non-exempt employees are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of service and you have until the day before the effective date to enroll. A new hire can enroll in our benefit program by selecting a link that is emailed directly to the new hire at their personal email address once hired.