Technical Food and Safety Manager – Hotel Chocolat

Mars • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Hotel Chocolat has built a strong position as the UK’s favorite premium chocolate brand Responsible for all aspects of food safety across the Hotel Chocolat Café and Retail estate, as well as Hotel Chocolat’s in-country supply operations. The Technical Food and Safety Manager – US Operations promotes and embeds a strong food safety culture by partnering with our US retail management teams, local suppliers, UK central functions, and relevant regulators. The Technical Food and Safety Manager – US Operations will be adaptable and a recognized leader, able to influence senior stakeholders and deliver clear, concise guidance across all retail and café teams. As the organization's subject matter expert, the role supports the development and delivery of food safety training, and takes ownership for food safety auditing, regulatory compliance, and interactions with authorities as required.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree preferred or equivalent experience
• 3+ years previous experience in a food safety–focused role within retail, café, food service, or manufacturing environments.
• Strong and demonstrable knowledge of US food safety regulations, including FDA Food Code, FSMA requirements, state and local health department standards, and best practice for retail/café operations.
• Experience implementing new food safety policies and procedures, including delivering training, coaching, and capability building for operational teams.
• Food Safety Level 4 (or equivalent advanced food safety qualification).
• ANSI-accredited Food Protection Manager Certification (or willingness to obtain upon appointment).
• Lead auditor / internal auditor training with experience conducting multi-site audits.
• Ability to challenge and advise the business confidently on café food safety matters, influencing decisions at both operational and senior leadership levels.
• Strong decision-making skills, with the ability to respond quickly and effectively to food safety or quality issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of simplifying complex technical requirements for diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of the commercial impact of food safety and operational decision-making.
• Willingness to travel approximately 50-60% across the US to support stores, suppliers, and operational teams

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Food Science or related discipline.
• HACCP Level 3 or 4 certification, with experience developing and reviewing HACCP plans for retail or food service operations.
• PCQI qualification (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) or experience working within FSMA Preventive Controls frameworks.
• Experience in product development or food service innovation, particularly for ready-to-eat foods or direct café operations.
• Experience managing third-party suppliers and conducting risk-based supplier approvals.
• Knowledge of allergen management programmes and validation processes within confectionery or high-risk retail environments.

Responsibilities

• Food Safety Governance, Policies & Compliance
• Food Quality & Safety Improvement
• Traceability, Recall & Incident Management
• Regulatory and External Stakeholder Engagement
• Training & Capability Building
• Food Safety Auditing & Supplier Assurance
• Performance Management, Reporting & Insights
• Pest Management Oversight
• Operational Food Safety Support
• New Products, Equipment & Store Development
• Leadership & Cross-Functional Support

Benefits

• A competitive salary and Incentives based on performance
• 50% unlimited staff discount to treat yourself and your friends and family
• 70% discount off a stay in our Hotel in St Lucia
• We recognize that our employees may wish to balance their work and family/home life and therefore we are open to discussions around flexible working
• A chance to work in an exciting, innovative and expanding company
• medical and dental benefits
• participation in 401k plan
• paid time off benefits

What This Job Offers

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