Senior Microbiologist - Manufacturing

Conagra Brands•Chicago, IL

3d•$82,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Microbiology Manager, you will be part of a team that is an essential component of the food safety, quality, and microbiology program. You will partner with internal departments and functions including Quality, Engineering, Thermal Processing, Sanitation, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Consumer Affairs, Legal & Safety, and Operations to support enterprise-wide food safety initiatives. This is not a laboratory-based role and includes regular interaction with manufacturing facilities and cross-functional teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field required
5+ years of related industry experience in food manufacturing or food safety
Experience with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points and related food safety systems at the plant level
Experience communicating scientific concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
Technical leadership experience with an understanding of business operations and processes
Experience with government regulations including Food and Drug Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control, and other regulatory bodies
Experience leading cross-functional and technical teams in food safety
Experience with statistical and analytical tools

Nice To Haves

Master’s or Doctorate preferred

Responsibilities

Provide input and direction to the strategic food safety vision aligned with company priorities
Champion a culture focused on food safety across the organization
Ensure adoption of best-in-class food safety and quality practices including environmental monitoring programs and testing approaches
Conduct risk assessments and provide guidance during food safety incidents, recommending mitigation strategies
Collaborate with Procurement, Co-manufacturing Quality, and other stakeholders to maintain food safety standards across the global supply chain
Ensure pre-requisite programs supporting HACCP such as training, Good Manufacturing Practices, and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures are effective and maintained
Gather and analyze data trends to support food safety and quality decisions
Perform and manage technical work within assigned responsibilities
Conduct audits, train plant teams on compliance and issue management, and support onsite resolution of food safety and quality challenges
Design and implement procedures supporting quality assurance initiatives and supplier improvements
Ensure Food Safety Plans remain current and compliant with company, Food and Drug Administration, and United States Department of Agriculture standards
Partner across functions to drive efficiency and effectiveness in food safety and quality programs