FOOD SAFETY / COMPLIANCE SUPERVSOR chez Southern Specialties Inc

About Company:

Southern Specialties was founded in 1990 by Robert Colescott, President and CEO of the company. Our mission, then, was to provide the finest restaurants and hotels in the nation with the best service and highest quality specialty produce. 

Today, we are proud to continue that mission while including the leading retailers and club stores in North America. Our Southern Selects line of value added specialty produce and our extensive private label programs provide consumers with delicious, nutritious, safe and convenient produce for the entire family.  

The foundation of Southern Specialties resides in the quality of the people and businesses that make up our culture and enterprise. As a company, it's rewarding to have traveled so far and have such great visions for the future. We look forward to continuing our enduring partnerships, and providing the freshest and most delicious, quality assured fruits and vegetables to our valued customers for years to come.

We are committed to exceptional service, quality, and value...

Every Customer

Every Time

Guaranteed

About the Role:

The Food Safety / Compliance Supervisor plays a critical role in ensuring that all food production processes meet stringent safety and regulatory standards. This position is responsible for overseeing compliance with federal, state, and local food safety regulations to protect consumer health and maintain the integrity of the supply chain. The supervisor will lead and coordinate food safety audits, inspections, and training programs to foster a culture of continuous improvement and risk mitigation. By collaborating closely with production teams, quality assurance, and regulatory bodies, this role ensures that all products are safe, high-quality, and compliant with industry standards. Ultimately, the Food Safety / Compliance Supervisor contributes to the organization's reputation and operational excellence by proactively managing food safety risks and compliance requirements. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in quality control in a produce facility.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations such as FDA, HACCP, and GMP standards.
• Have knowledge with SQF audits.
• Experience conducting food safety audits and managing compliance documentation.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively train staff and liaise with regulatory agencies.
• Must have strong communication skills and ability to lead meetings and follow up corrective actions.
• Must be able to work both independently and in collaborative settings.
• Must be able to identify gaps in process and communicate potential solutions.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma experience preferred.
• May be requested to obtain certification for operating forklifts.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 Ibs. if required.
• Must be able to perform basic computer tasks including MS office.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain food safety and compliance programs in accordance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits of facilities, equipment, and processes to identify potential food safety hazards and ensure corrective actions are taken promptly.
• Lead training sessions for staff on food safety protocols, hygiene practices, and compliance standards to promote awareness and adherence.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, quality assurance, and supply chain to address compliance issues and improve food safety outcomes.
• Prepare detailed reports and documentation for internal review and regulatory submissions, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Monitor changes in food safety regulations and industry best practices to update policies and procedures accordingly.
• Respond to food safety incidents or recalls by coordinating investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action plans.

Skills:

The Food Safety / Compliance Supervisor utilizes their expertise in regulatory standards and food safety principles daily to assess and mitigate risks within agricultural operations. Strong analytical skills are essential for interpreting audit results, identifying non-compliance issues, and developing effective corrective actions. Communication skills are critical for delivering training, writing detailed reports, and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure understanding and adherence to safety protocols. Leadership and organizational skills enable the supervisor to manage multiple projects, coordinate inspections, and maintain comprehensive documentation efficiently. Additionally, staying current with evolving regulations and industry trends allows the supervisor to proactively update procedures and maintain the highest standards of food safety and compliance.