FirstFruits Farms, Washington’s largest Opal apple grower, is ready to add a high caliber and hardworking Food Safety Manager to our team. The Food Safety Manager will implement strategic programs to manage risks inherent in growing, harvesting, storing, and packing fruit. The position requires an experienced specialist with working knowledge of food safety certifications, regulatory requirements and related management systems. The candidate should have strong communication skills. Formal education and work experience are essential. Bilingual communication skills are a plus. This is a year-round position located near the Tri-Cities. Some travel is required to fulfill job requirements.
Due to the rapid growth in our operations, we currently have an opening for a full-time Food Safety Manager overseeing our orchard, packing house, and affiliated food safety functions near the Tri-Cities in Southeast Washington.

REQUIREMENTS:

• A Bachelor’s Degree with at least 2-3 years experience in a food processing plant, with working knowledge implementing HAACP, GAP, GHP, food safety and other sanitation standards
• Knowledge of USDA, FDA, FSMA, and SQF policies
• SQF Practitioner Certificate
• Strong communication skills, verbal and written
• Experience in data management and reporting to help drive decisions
• Capable to work as a contributing team member, while being self-motivated
• Ability to implement projects under pressure
• Working experience motivating and leading teams in a positive manner
• Proficiency in English and Spanish, a plus
• Familiar and comfortable using Microsoft Office programs, specifically Word and Excel
• SQF Training to implement the latest SQF Code will be necessary
• Travel is required to service company operations in Benton City, Wallula, and Yakima
• Ability to set goals & priorities to manage multiple projects effectively and successfully from concept to completion
• Must have the ability to adapt. Food Safety law is complex and constantly changing. In addition, FirstFruits is rapidly growing and expanding, and we need people who have the desire and the capability to grow with us

Primary responsibilities will focus on managing the day-to-day operations of our food safety functions, including:

• Maintain expert knowledge of company policies and procedures, including ensuring compliance with food safety policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and laws
• Understand the requirements associated with the SQF program and implementing a successful SQF program
• Keep detailed records and documentation as required by SQF and other 3rd-party food safety programs
• Review and update standard operating procedures related to food safety
• Ensure a workplace culture that understands, appreciates and implements food safety practices
• Manage and supervise the Warehouse Sanitation Team, along with Warehouse and Orchard Food Safety Assistants
• Work effectively with multiple departments to implement the food safety program, including communication, training, and conducting internal audits
• Communicate with department managers to ensure timely and accurate reporting of food safety issues and necessary corrective actions
• Help lead the process to successfully complete annual food safety audits
• Assist and lead the various certifications we hold, including annual organic certification and multiple customer and 3rd party certifications
• Implement Food Safety into leadership structure with education on microbiological performance, foreign material control, regulatory compliance, and HACCP programs for fresh-fruit packing lines
• Maintain effective environmental monitoring, testing, and control programs
• Organize regular food safety training programs for supervisors and front-line employees, including updating food safety manuals and training materials