Food Safety and Export Manager

We are looking for an experienced Food Safety and Export Manager to lead our food safety program and ensure compliance with all policies and standards. If you're detail-oriented, passionate about safety, and thrive in a collaborative setting, we’d love to welcome you to our team

REPORTING AND ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Director of Operations

The focus in this role is both:

Internal : Operating Divisions.

External : Customers, Franchisees

CORE FUNCTION

• The incumbent is responsible for planning and managing the company’s food safety program to meet all company policies, procedures, industry standards, and legislation.

• Responsible for overseeing all activities related to the exporting of patties to overseas customers/clients in a timely manner.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Establish and implement standard operating procedures, policies and procedures for all materials (agricultural raw materials, ingredients, packaging) used by the company using all applicable standards and legislation.
• Conduct regular food safety audits and inspections to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures, food safety standards and legislation.
• Develop various training materials to educate employees on effective food safety procedures.
• Organize, schedule and conduct required food safety trainings for (staff, suppliers, contractors and other relevant stakeholders)
• Investigate food safety incidents and implement corrective actions to eliminate or reduce the likelihood of occurrence.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of food safety activities and manuals.
• Monitor and evaluate food safety performance metrics to ensure established targets are being met and maintained.
• Collaborate with the various stakeholders (suppliers/managers) to meet food safety standards.
• Periodically prepare and report on food safety activities to senior management.
• Create and manage food safety budgets
• Liaise with food safety consultants and other regulatory bodies for audits, audit findings and certification. Lead the food safety certification processes.
• Ensure proper sanitation and hygiene practices are implemented and followed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to cultivate a culture of food safety across the organization.
• Assist in populating, monitoring and verification activities in the automated food safety tool.
• Ensure that the required data collection is done for water, including daily chlorine monitoring and monthly microbial checks.
• Liaise with lab for results of microbial analysis of water, raw materials, and finished products.
• Organize with an external agency for the calibration of scales and thermometers.
• Oversee the pest control program for production and corporate office.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives for food safety.
• Supervise employees engaged in process control, inspection and data collection for food safety activities.
• Create a harmonious working environment for all employees free from discrimination and harassment.
• Identify and recommend appropriate training for the optimum development of employees.
• Conduct biannual performance appraisals in accordance with the prescribed standard
• Schedule and conduct monthly staff meetings.
• Stay updated on the latest food safety regulations and best practices.

EXPORT

• Develop and implement export strategies to maximise profits and minimise costs.
• Prepare export documentation such as invoices, packing lists and bills of lading.
• Establish and manage relationships with international partners, including distributors, agents and vendors.
• Respond promptly and courteously to overseas distributors’ inquiries and complaints.
• Liaise with customs authorities and other government bodies to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Negotiate shipping contracts and freight forwarding agreements.
• Provide leadership and guidance to your customer service, planning and logistics teams to ensure customers receive appropriate shipments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, logistics, and finance, to ensure timely order fulfilment and customer satisfaction.
• Coordinate and assist with monitoring the loading of containers.
• Arrange for pickup of loaded containers.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE

• First degree in Food Science or related field
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the field of Food Safety
• HACCP Awareness Training

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Detailed oriented and able to work well with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Good decision-making, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Must display initiative and ability to work independently.
• Must be computer literate
• Possess a current food handlers permit.