Avoca is currently seeking a skilled and dedicatedFood Safety Specialistto join our team and ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality throughout our operations. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovation, and compliance, we have established ourselves as a trusted premium lifestyle brand.Job Summary:As Food Safety Specialist, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of food safety and quality assurance within Avoca. Your primary objective will be to develop and maintain effective quality control and food safety programs to support our frontline operations teams ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and customer expectations.Key Responsibilities:Develop and maintain comprehensive food safety and quality management systems in line with legislative requirements, industry standards, and other applicable certifications (e.g. organic licence)Establish and enforce robust food safety and quality protocols, policies, and procedures across all areas of the company, including production, warehousing, and distributionProvide guidance to the operations team on food safety and quality-related mattersMaintain the food traceability and product recall systemsLiaise with Facilities team regarding environmental sampling and monitoring programmesConduct regular audits, inspections and support visits to evaluate compliance with food safety and quality standards, identify potential risks, and support sites to implement corrective actions as neededInvestigate and resolve customer complaints or product non-conformities related to food safety and quality, ensuring timely and appropriate corrective actionsCollaborate with external agencies, auditors, and regulatory bodies during inspections, audits, and certifications to ensure compliance and maintain positive relationshipsSupport Learning & Development team with food safety education and training programmesCollaborate with Food Buying team to develop new products and on-board new suppliersManage supplier approval programme to include reviewing supplier questionnaires, carrying out supplier risk assessments, liaising with auditor and reviewing supplier audit outcomesEnsure new product development process is adhered to from a food safety and quality perspective, and ensure maintenance of Avoca own brand product specificationsReview and approve product specifications and packaging artwork in conjunction with suppliers, buyer and creative team to ensure compliance with all relevant legislative requirements and brand requirementsSupport other general food safety programmes, e.g. food labelling, allergen management and control programmeWork on assigned food safety and quality projects, such as premises refurbishment projects to ensure compliance with food safety legislative requirementsCommunicate with employees, suppliers, customers, regulatory authorities and other stakeholders on food safety and quality-related mattersReport to Senior Management and Directors on food incidents, EHO inspections, compliance issues and food safety performanceRequirements:Bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, or a related field3+ years' experience in a similar food safety roleA food safety and/or quality auditing qualification & training qualification would be advantageousIn-depth knowledge of food law, standards and certifications and food safety management systemsProven track record in managing food safety and compliance in a foodservices/ retail environmentExcellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with internal and external stakeholdersDetail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and complianceAbility to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environmentProactive and pragmatic approach and excellent interpersonal skills with a customer service attitudeA full driving licence is a requirement for this positionIf you are a dedicated and experienced professional with a passion for food safety and quality assurance, and possess the skills and qualifications mentioned above, we invite you to join our team at Avoca. Together, we can ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality, while delivering exceptional products to our customers. The role is a one year fixed term contract.