Senior Microbiologist

CONAGRA • Chicago, IL

45d • Hybrid

About The Position

As the Senior Microbiologist, reporting to the Microbiology Manager, you will be part of a team that is an important component of the food safety, quality, and microbiology program at Conagra Brands. You will partner with internal departments and functions including Quality, Engineering, Thermal Processing, Sanitation, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Consumer Affairs, Legal & Safety, and with Operations. This is not a laboratory-based role.

Requirements

• BS degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field required; MS/PhD degree preferred.
• 5+ years related industry experience.
• Knowledge of HACCP and related food safety systems as applied at the food manufacturing plant level.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Technical leadership with an understanding of business needs and processes.
• Demonstrated external leadership with a record of accomplishment relative to food safety via trade associations, academic consortia, and in the regulatory arena.
• Experience with government regulations (FDA/USDA/CDC/State and Local and international).
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and technical teams in the area of food safety.
• Working knowledge of statistical and analytical tools.
• Depending on the needs of the business, operational impact at the plant level will require 25% to 75% travel. Must be able to travel independently and as a responsible Conagra representative.

Responsibilities

• Provide key input and direction to the Conagra strategic food safety vision consistent with company direction and focus.
• Champion a culture mindset of food safety first and foremost both horizontally and vertically across the Conagra enterprise.
• Ensure the adoption of best food safety and quality practices across the organization including pathogen environmental monitoring programs, food safety sampling and testing regimens, and leading-edge methods deployment.
• Conduct risk assessments and provide guidance during food safety incidents, recommending appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders such as Procurement, Co-manufacturing Quality and others to ensure Conagra's food safety standards are rigorously adhered to across the Global Supply Chain.
• Ensure that all appropriate pre-requisite programs to HACCP including training, GMP's, SSOP's, and others are developed and functioning as part of Conagra's overall food safety system.
• Gather and study data trends and provide technical support to inform food safety and quality decisions.
• Manage and perform technical tasks within assigned responsibilities.
• Conduct audits, train plant teams for issue management and procedure compliance, and support resolution of food safety and quality issues on-site.
• Design and implement procedures and support cross-functional QA initiatives and supplier improvements.
• Ensure Food Safety Plans (HACCP) are current and compliant with ConAgra, FDA, and USDA standards; provide technical support to maintain regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate outside of FSQRA organization to drive efficiencies and effectiveness with regards to food safety and quality.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
• Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
• Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
• Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees