Food Safety Specialist

Printpack Rigid is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Food Safety Specialist in our extrusion, thermoforming and printing manufacturing operation. This position will split their time between the Newport News and Williamsburg, VA plants and will report to the Quality Manager. The position will ensure that Printpack Rigid’s Quality and Food Safety Management System consistently provides products and services which meet customer and brand requirements and that our food safety management system effectively meets the requirements of Printpack customers, consumers, regulators and registrars. This position will work Monday – Friday.

The ideal candidate will have skills that include: Ability to work in a cross-functional team environment, experience in administration of food safety programs, strong communication skills and ability to interact with customers and external auditors, experience leading teams, experience with facilities maintenance, ability to manage contractors, strong initiative, and ability to drive continuous improvement. 

Job Responsibilities 

• Manage and improve the Quality and Food Safety Management System.
• In collaboration with plant management, provide direction and leadership to achieve food safety goals.
• In consultation with the corporate Food Safety group, interpret all current and applicable food safety standards, certifications, company policies, and good manufacturing practices to ensure a clean and sanitary workplace.
• Develop and provide training as necessary to increase awareness and ensure organizational capability on food safety policies, procedures, and work practices.
• Lead the cross functional Food Safety Team, including leading monthly meetings, ensuring all necessary training is completed, and driving completion of actions.
• Conduct audits and inspections of plant activities, and train others on how to perform audits.
• Develop and use tools for assessing effectiveness of food safety objectives and program components. Monitor results and promote continuous improvement
• Serve as Lead Representative for all external audits and as primary liaison to external certification organizations (manage updates, communications, audit schedules, payments)
• Manage the ISO 9001 and GFSI certification process
• Serve as the business unit representative on Printpack’s Quality and Food Safety Management System Team.
• Maintain a working knowledge of customer food safety requirements.
• Assist with customer meetings, visits, and Requests for Information.
• Manage the required microbiological testing program.
• Manage plant facilities maintenance related to the food safety program, including pest control, janitorial services and landscaping.
• Participate in Continuous Improvement efforts, including involvement lean manufacturing management system.
• Hire and manage contractors and consultants where required to complete the activities needed in a timely manner and within budget.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure completion of outstanding food safety and quality management action items.

Required Skills and Qualifications: 

• Minimum 1 year experience in administration of a formal standardized quality management system, or equivalent education.
• Strong administrative and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with cross-functional teams, regulatory agencies, customers, and external auditors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess food safety risks, investigate incidents, and implement corrective actions.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, often under pressure in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience coordinating initiatives, leading teams, and facilitating meetings.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications: 

• Experience administering food safety programs and preventive controls within a food safety regulatory framework, including knowledge of FDA and GMP standards.
• Understanding of third part auditing and auditing experience.
• College degree in a related field (food safety, quality management, sciences, etc).

Printpack is proudly an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Embracing diversity enhances our work culture and is vital to our success. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/parental status, genetic information, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, marital status, military or veteran status or affiliation, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

To view your rights and government notices, please see the links below:

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal – Conozca sus Derechos: La Discriminación en el Lugar de Trabajo es Ilegal – E-Verify – Your Rights Under USERRA (dol.gov) – FMLA – FMLA (Spanish) – Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision (dol.gov) – TRANSPARENCIA EN EL PAGO DISPOSICIÓN SOBRE NO DISCRIMINACIÓN (dol.gov) – Polygraph Protection – Right to Work – Right to Work (Spanish)

Printpack is committed to helping individuals with disabilities participate in the workforce and ensure equal opportunity to compete for jobs. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist you with your application for employment or job search, please get in touch with us by sending an email to CorpRecruiting@Printpack.com. Please include in your email a brief description of the accommodation you are requesting and the position for which you are interested in applying.

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