Specialist, Food Safety

SUNKIST GROWERS LLC•Valencia, CA

About The Position

The job of the Food Safety Specialist was established for the purpose/s of assisting in maintaining and coordinating food safety programs and recall programs for fresh fruit and licensing departments. This includes regular communication and interaction with packinghouses, licensees and other Sunkist staff. We are looking for an individual who values hard work, fresh ideas and a commitment to excellence. At Sunkist, we value trust, respect for each other, communication and sharing information, generating ideas and creative solutions, working in teams and developing people to add value. Behind our history of innovation and commitment to market leadership is a company devoted to providing continued education, excellent benefits and good working conditions. We provide all the resources you need to support your professional development, including:

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in food science, food technology or similar field; or equivalent. (An Associate's Degree in a related field with a minimum 5 years in a food processing and food operations environment will also be considered)
Experience in food safety and produce is highly desirable.
Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to food production.
Strong analytical and organizational skills.
Ability to travel to domestic locations.
Must be proficient in the use of common applications in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Must possess a valid unrestricted CA driver’s License.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form.

Nice To Haves

Experience with HACCP programs, preventative controls and produce safety rules is preferred. Holding certificates in all three also preferred.
Bilingual in Spanish highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Maintains database of third party audits. Reviews audit reports for potential compliance issues.
Assists with customer requests, complaints and other inquiries and maintains customer data sharing websites.
Assists in mock recalls with packinghouses and customers.
Manages sampling program for MRL compliance program.
Assists growers and packinghouses with food safety audit preparation, technical questions, and corrective action as needed.
Manages & maintains the Sunkist licensee-sampling program ensuring all licensees send in samples as per schedule; arranges samples to be tested by external laboratory and conducts in-house evaluations.
Setting up taste panels and generating reports.
Updates and maintains all product exhibits for licensed products.
Required to travel short and long distances to include overnight stays.
Maintains regular and timely attendance.
Accomplishes department and organization mission and goals by completing related tasks as needed.
Performs other related duties as assigned for ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
Maintains a well-organized licensing samples inventory.
Maintains a neat work area; maintains a professional appearance and good personal conduct at all times.
Attends meetings as requested.