Food Safety Senior Manager

About Tropicana Brands Group

The launch of Tropicana Brands Group represents an exciting fusion of some of the world's most beloved and up-and-coming brands in the juice category, including Tropicana, Naked, KeVita, Izze, Dole, Copella and Punica.

Established in 2022 as a joint venture between PAI Partners and PepsiCo, our new company blends the best of two worlds : one steeped in industry-leading expertise and the heritage of prestige juice brands, and another rooted in a true entrepreneurial, agile mindset.

With a global footprint of more than 2,000 associates that spans North America and Europe, we are proud of our industry-leading capabilities in areas that include innovation, R&D, manufacturing, distribution, sales, marketing and nutrition expertise.

The company’s focused on the vision to quench the world's thirst for more delight and nourishment, while continuing to build upon the many important diversity, sustainability, local community and philanthropic activities that our people and brands have historically supported.

Key Responsibilities :

Tropicana Brands Group is looking for a highly qualified Sr Manager - Food Safety to support the R&D team to ensure the company’s goals and initiatives are met.

This role will be responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership and guidance to the Global R&D organization and global site quality teams regarding food safety requirements, both Company and regulatory.

Tropicana is looking for a critical thinker with exceptional communication, influencing and relationship management skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Responsibilities :

• Providing strategic and operational leadership and guidance to the Global R&D organization and global site quality teams regarding food safety requirements, both Company and regulatory
• Leading the development, implementation and compliance of company-wide food safety programs, policies, and practices, including all FSMA, SFCA and EU regulatory related requirements
• Provide technical guidance with the development and continuous improvement of TBGs food safety programs
• Oversee the GFSI audit program, partnering with both the Certifying Body and the plants to ensure compliance and swift issue-resolution
• Providing oversight and governance of all TBG recall and withdrawal situations, including updating and communication of related food safety polices, training and contact lists;

interactions and communications with regulatory bodies as required managing the overall process and communication to the proper TBG network

• Engage with external and internal partners to ensure continual compliance, improvement and advancements in food safety initiatives and directives
• Overseeing / assisting in the development and execution of global food safety training and will assist / oversee food safety auditing programs This position also oversees the Corporate Microbiology function and resources ensuring delivery of critical support in this area.
• Willing to teach, positively influence, and drive the food safety agenda while working in a matrixed environment
• Play a critical role in ensuring the Company delivers against the food safety policies and initiatives and all appropriate regulatory requirements

We are not just committed to winning as individuals but winning as a team. Our Food Safety Sr. Manager role is an essential piece of our strategic vision.

We are equally committed to helping people lead healthier lives and providing a safe and inclusive work environment for our employees to grow personally and professionally.

Day in the Life :

• Lead the Company’s food safety team, working directly with SMEs in Microbiology, Process Authority, Engineering, and Sanitation
• Develop and assist in the implementation of the Company’s global food safety policy and associated standards and procedures to comply with Company requirements and governmental regulations;

ensure execution and compliance

Lead the sites’ GFSI initiatives through partnership with the established Certifying Body and site Quality teams; ensure Food Safety Plans and associated policies deliver on GFSI and regulatory requirements;

assist GFSQ team and plants with GFSI audit scheduling, report writing, interpretation of requirements, issue-resolution, CAPA creation / tracking / closing, and escalation as needed

• Oversee the Corporate Microbiology function which includes laboratory audits and training, optimization of methods, policy updates and revisions applicable to regulatory and scientific changes / advancements, and management of the Corporate Microbiologist
• Lead the Intentional Adulteration and Food Defense programs ensuring compliance with Company and Regulatory requirements
• Manage customer and consumer inquiries regarding TBG’s food safety commitment and policies
• Lead all regulatory correspondences between TBG and regulators including food safety policy and program information inquires, FDA and CFIA investigations into consumer issues, and regulatory testing results
• Through technical stage-gate, influence the innovation agenda to ensure that food safety is built into product, processing, and package design in early stages of development;
• partner with the R&D / PD functions to ensure design meets both regulatory and Company requirements as well as site capability;

provide sign-off on HACCP transfer documents

• Lead the identification of all food safety capital investment priorities at each site and assist with implementation by providing compelling justification for such needs
• Serve as a food safety subject matter expert by providing guidance and technical support to R&D, Operations, and Quality teams at all manufacturing sites, co-mans, warehouse and distribution centers
• Lead and assist in the development, execution, and ongoing improvement of food safety training programs, workshops, and other resource material
• Keep abreast of new regulations, advanced technologies, and best practices in food safety by maintaining close relationships with peer companies, regulatory contacts, universities, and vendors;

research and report out on pertinent food safety findings / information from technical publications and reports

Participate in setting strategic direction for all food safety imperatives including establishment of the food safety culture within the company

Skills / Qualifications :

• Technical skills and extensive experience with food safety programs and regulatory requirements
• Expert risk assessment skills applied to issue resolution and strategy setting
• Involvement in food safety, quality and / or regulatory focused professional organizations
• PCQI and IAQI lead instructor certified
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and Lean / Six Sigma
• Lead Auditor certification and / or experience
• Demonstrate daily positive professionalism and poise
• Collaborative approach / style with the ability to develop trusting, credible relationship with business partners at all levels within the Company
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Ability to multi-task and manage through competing priorities
• Ability to teach and consult others to build knowledge and ownership at our plant sites
• Ability to meet or exceed deadlines and take deadlines seriously

Requirements :

• Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology, food science or a related technical field
• 5 to 10 years of experience in the food industry with demonstrated experience / achievements in food safety program development and execution
• HACCP, FSMA-PCQI, and FSMA IAQI certifications
• Proven application and oversight of regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA, SFCA) in food manufacturing food safety programs
• Demonstrated experience in food safety and quality management program development and implementation across multiple locations and various processing platforms
• Demonstrated ability to coach and lead teams through expert risk assessment, problem solving, troubleshooting and program development / implementation
• Excellent organizational, influence and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead positive change in processes, systems, and culture
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Proven influencing skills to drive the food safety agenda
• Flexible and able to work under pressure to include tight deadlines and multiple projects, globally, with strong organizational skills
• Advanced / Proficient Computer Skills (Outlook, Word, Power Point, Excel)
• Percent Travel 10%

Benefits Overview :

TBG is pleased to offer you a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, company provided life, STD and LTD insurance.

In addition, you may also elect to participate in voluntary life, accident, hospital, and critical illness coverages.

TBG offers a 401(k) plan administered through Fidelity which allows you to contribute pre- or post-tax dollars and invest as you choose to save for retirement.

TBG makes employer matching contributions to your 401(k) account and will contribute 100% of the first 3% and an additional 50% of the next 2% for a total of a 4% company contribution.