Head of Food Safety & Compliance

Job Description

The role of the Head of Food Safety & Compliance is a crucial position within Kraft Heinz organization, to ensure the safety and quality of our products.

This position safeguards the reputation of our company and ensures the health and safety of consumers by maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality.
 

The role is responsible for assessment, control and elimination of any hazards in our processes which can include ingredients, components, and products; but also tools, systems, and innovations that help identify, monitor, control, and mitigate food safety risks. The position plays a crucial role in ensuring that Kraft Heinz organization adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards while maintaining a high level of quality in its products, services, and operations.
 

The Head of Food Safety & Compliance will be responsible for creating and implementing the company’s zone food safety program, identify risks and establish appropriate programs and technology for mitigation and control that align with corporate guidance and minimum requirements. The role is responsible for establishing minimum FSQ standards and requirements based on applicable laws, regulations and standards for the zone.
 

This position will work closely with Operations, regulatory and R&D functions to ensure safety of our products from design through manufacturing and distribution.
 

The role closely cooperates with external bodies like regulatory agencies, NGO`s, industry bodies, consumer and customer associations representing Kraft Heinz.
 

The role is also responsible for collaborating with various Quality leaders and organizations in the zone to develop clear global food safety goals, and strategies that provide the proper blend of autonomy and oversight.

Primary Responsibilities

• Will Lead all aspects of the Internal Audit Program with a small team of lead auditors they will lead the program for all internal factory audits.

• Role is responsible and accountable for the Special Situations management Team and handling the FSQ portion of crisis management.

• Regulatory and USDA/FDA programs and compliance; handling and improving all aspects of our international regulatory and internal USDA/FDA compliance programs in partnership with legal.

• Sanitation, develop and define the best-in-class hygiene standards and processes/KPIs to ensure we are delivering on our best-in-class sanitation processes. 

• Develop and manage workstreams to support factory in sanitation excellence, including Validations of Cleaning, Swabbing, Design and Pest Control.

• Building and managing a food safety and compliance team: This position involves recruiting, training, and managing a team of food safety professionals to support the organization’s initiatives.

• Collaborating with other departments: The Head of Food safety & compliance works closely with other departments, including Operations and R&D, to ensure food safety standards are met throughout the organization.

• Continuously improving food safety processes: This position involves identifying opportunities for improvement in food safety processes and implementing changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

• Developing and implementing quality compliance strategies as well as ensuring regulatory compliance

• Managing 3rd party audits & inspections

• Crisis management end to end oversight

• Primary contact with FDA, USDA and CFIA

• Responsible for HACCP / PCP plans 

• Represent KHC externally in all food safety forums
   

Qualifications

• This role requires a BS, MS preferred, in a Food Microbiology, Food Safety or related field with exposure to food science/engineering or microbiology with a minimum of 10+ years of experience 

• Strong knowledge and/or certification of food safety regulations and standards, including HACCP, FSMA, GFSI, PCQI, or FSVP and ISO 22000.

• Experience in scoping and implementing new technology.

• Proven experience in food safety and risk management.

• Ability to understand and interpret regulations, standards and requirements and translate it into internal control plans.

• Experience leading and managing teams, including coaching and mentoring employees.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Ability to think strategically and develop and execute effective plans and programs.

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to analyze data and identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

• This position is core to a career in food manufacturing providing exposure to quality systems, food safety management, sanitation programs, and regulatory compliance 

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

$184,800.00 – $231,000.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Long-Term Incentive (LTI): In addition to base salary and bonus, this role is eligible for additional compensation in the form of equity.

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical – Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social – Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Glenview R&D Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com.