Avoca is currently seeking a skilled and dedicated
Food Safety Specialist
to 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 distribution
* Provide guidance to the operations team on food safety and quality-related matters
* Maintain the food traceability and product recall systems
* Liaise with Facilities team regarding environmental sampling and monitoring programmes
* Conduct 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 needed
* Investigate and resolve customer complaints or product non-conformities related to food safety and quality, ensuring timely and appropriate corrective actions
* Collaborate with external agencies, auditors, and regulatory bodies during inspections, audits, and certifications to ensure compliance and maintain positive relationships
* Support Learning & Development team with food safety education and training programmes
* Collaborate with Food Buying team to develop new products and on-board new suppliers
* Manage supplier approval programme to include reviewing supplier questionnaires, carrying out supplier risk assessments, liaising with auditor and reviewing supplier audit outcomes
* Ensure new product development process is adhered to from a food safety and quality perspective, and ensure maintenance of Avoca own brand product specifications
* Review 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 requirements
* Support other general food safety programmes, e.g. food labelling, allergen management and control programme
* Work on assigned food safety and quality projects, such as premises refurbishment projects to ensure compliance with food safety legislative requirements
* Communicate with employees, suppliers, customers, regulatory authorities and other stakeholders on food safety and quality-related matters
* Report to Senior Management and Directors on food incidents, EHO inspections, compliance issues and food safety performance
Requirements:
* Bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, or a related field
* 3+ years' experience in a similar food safety role
* A food safety and/or quality auditing qualification & training qualification would be advantageous
* In-depth knowledge of food law, standards and certifications and food safety management systems
* Proven track record in managing food safety and compliance in a foodservices/ retail environment
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with internal and external stakeholders
* Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and compliance
* Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
* Proactive and pragmatic approach and excellent interpersonal skills with a customer service attitude
* A full driving licence is a requirement for this position
If 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.