Food Safety & Compliance Manager

Job Summary:

The Food Safety & Compliance Manager is a key leadership role responsible for the development, implementation, and ownership of food safety, regulatory compliance, and sanitation programs across all CSC locations. This position partners closely with Quality Assurance, Production, and other departments to ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, FSMA, and other regulatory or customer standards. The manager leads decision-making on compliance matters, drives audit readiness, oversees corrective actions, and fosters a culture of food safety throughout the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Lead company-wide compliance programs, making decisions on food safety policies, HACCP, GMP, and audit requirements.
• Manage all aspects of the employment life cycle for assigned staff, including recruitment, training, scheduling, performance management, promotions, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Oversee the Sanitation Department, ensuring effective operations, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as HACCP Team Leader: train team members, maintain documentation, and lead decision-making on hazard analysis and critical control points.
• Serve as Internal Audit Team Leader: organize, lead, and make decisions based on audit findings, implement corrective actions, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Plan and lead Food Safety/GMP audits, including BRC, FDA, and customer audits, and drive follow-up actions and continuous improvements.
• Collaborate with all departments to educate, monitor, and enforce compliance with food safety standards.
• Develop, update, and implement food safety and audit standards across the organization.
• Identify opportunities to improve current procedures and recommend or implement changes to enhance compliance, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Work with departments on equipment design and upgrades to support food safety initiatives.
• Maintain ongoing communication with Plant and Quality Assurance Managers regarding compliance, audit results, and corrective actions.
• Partner with Safety & Training Manager to design and deliver effective compliance training programs.
• Lead the food safety team, conducting weekly meetings to address issues, track progress, and make decisions to resolve compliance challenges.
• Evaluate suppliers based on risk assessments and follow approval procedures.
• Monitor industry developments and emerging trends affecting food safety and the supply chain.
• Assist with regulatory audits at all CSC plants as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree; Food Science or related field
• 5+ years of proven leadership experience in food safety and compliance, including ownership of programs, audits, and corrective actions.
• Demonstrated experience leading HACCP, GMP, and regulatory compliance initiatives, with clear decision-making authority.
• 4+ years in food manufacturing; spice industry experience preferred.
• 2+ years supervising multiple direct reports, with experience developing and motivating teams.
• Proven experience leading sanitation programs, audits, and corrective action implementation.
• Strong experience with BRC, FDA, and customer audits, including planning, execution, and follow-up.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Excellent leadership and people skills; ability to guide teams to meet compliance goals.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and commitment to a safe and compliant environment.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to taste, smell, and distinguish flavors and odors accurately.
• Good near and far visual acuity; ability to hear and distinguish machinery alarms.
• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods; lift/carry up to 25 lbs; climb ladders and work at heights.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and general computer use; PCQI training preferred.
• Self-motivated, dependable, with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Flexible to work all shifts and weekends as needed.
• Occasionally work in noisy, dusty environments that may contain spices with high heat intensity.