Food Safety Specialist

Description:

As a Food Safety Specialist at Cargill, you will play a crucial role in upholding our commitment to producing safe and high-quality food products. This position demands a proactive mindset focused on identifying and resolving potential food safety hazards. You will be responsible for implementing and maintaining food safety standards, ensuring compliance with regulations, and actively participating in continuous improvement initiatives. This role requires a meticulous approach to detail, a strong understanding of food safety principles, and the ability to work collaboratively across different teams. Your dedication to maintaining a safe food production environment and your ability to follow established protocols will be essential to our success.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and ensure adherence to all relevant food safety regulations, industry standards, and Cargill's internal specifications.
• Actively participate in the development, implementation, and maintenance of food safety programs, including HACCP and other preventative controls.
• Conduct routine inspections and audits of production areas and processes to verify compliance with food safety standards and identify potential risks.
• Effectively utilize monitoring equipment and techniques to ensure critical control points are within established limits.
• Perform preventative food safety checks and verifications according to established schedules.
• Thoroughly understand and interpret food safety plans, regulatory guidelines, and internal procedures.
• Independently conduct complex food safety risk assessments and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Strictly adhere to all prescribed safety rules, food safety regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the development and promotion of best practices in food safety.
• Identify potential sources of contamination or food safety hazards by observing production processes and the surrounding environment; utilizing relevant testing methods and tools.
• Understand and implement proper sanitation and hygiene practices.
• Identify and communicate any follow-up actions required to address food safety concerns and assist in acquiring necessary resources and documentation.
• Participate in investigations of food safety incidents or deviations, helping to determine root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Prepare work areas to ensure food safety requirements are met, including sanitation and segregation protocols.
• Respond to food safety-related inquiries or concerns from supervisors and other departments, taking appropriate action as directed.
• Collaborate with other teams to resolve food safety issues and implement improvements.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of food safety checks, monitoring activities, deviations, and corrective actions.
• Effectively communicate food safety information, issues, and actions through written reports and verbal updates.
• Assist in establishing and implementing preventative maintenance procedures related to food safety equipment and systems.
• Monitor and troubleshoot food safety-related equipment and systems to ensure proper functionality.

Requirements:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a food manufacturing environment with a focus on food safety.
• Strong understanding of food safety principles, regulations (e.g., FSMA), and best practices.
• Ability to interpret and apply food safety plans and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to interpret detailed process flow diagrams and sanitation procedures.
• Demonstrated strong personal commitment to food safety, able to consistently follow all food safety policies and procedures, and proactively identify and address potential hazards.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and off-shifts, as needed.
• Experience with food safety management systems and documentation.
• Willingness to participate in relevant food safety training and certifications.

Nice-to-haves:

• Computer proficiency and familiarity with data management systems.
• Previous experience implementing and maintaining HACCP or other food safety management systems in a food processing environment.
• Experience using food safety testing and monitoring equipment.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Health and Wellness Incentives
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• 401(k) with Cargill Matching Contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts