Assistant Food Safety Officer

See Job Description

The Assistant Food Safety Officer / Substitute SQF Practitioner (WHDC), is responsible for ensuring, through the implementation and monitoring of effective food safety and quality management systems, CPJ’s products consistently meet agreed standards.

 Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists the QA Manager in the development, implementation and maintenance of the company’s food safety and quality management systems, inclusive of the Prerequisite Programmes and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) system in all food manufacturing, handling, storage and distribution facilities.

The SQF Practitioner

The SQF Practitioner for the warehouse and distribution centre, has the responsibility and authority to:

o Oversee the development, implementation, review and maintenance of the SQF System, including food safety fundamentals outlined in section 2.4.2, and

the food safety plan outlined in section 2.4.3 of the SQF Food Safety Code for Storage and Distribution, Edition 8.

o Take appropriate action to ensure the integrity of the SQF System.

o Communicate to relevant personnel all information essential to ensure the effective implementation and maintenance of the SQF System.

o The SQF practitioner shall update senior site management on a (minimum) monthly basis on matters impacting the implementation and maintenance of the SQF System. The updates and management responses shall be documented.

o Review the SQF System in its entirety at least annually.

• Ensure that all food products conform to public safety regulations and standards established by local and foreign regulatory bodies e.g. Bureau of Standards, Jamaica and the FDA (FSMA), among others.
• Assist with the effective development and implementation of the company’s internal and supplier audit programmes.
• Ensure proper documentation of all non-conformances to CPJ’s Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS) and the subsequent corrective actions.
• Ensure timely completion investigations of non-conformances and submission of reports to facilitate timely decision-making.
• Conduct and present trending of food safety objectives, critical control points and control points, customer complaints, among other metrics.
• Assist in improving and driving corporate food safety culture.
• Ensure compliance to all established SOPs, food safety requirements, good manufacturing practices and sanitation requirements in accordance with the stipulations of CPJ’s FSQMS.
• Develop, maintain, and provide employee training relevant to the Food Safety and Quality Management System, inclusive of Good Manufacturing Practices and HACCP.
• Follow-up in a timely manner to ensure non-conformances and customer complaints are documented, and corrective actions are monitored and effectively closed-out.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of the Laboratory Quality Assurance Programme, to ensure laboratory results are credible, and laboratory and calibration records are maintained and available for review.
• Work closely with Pest Management Professionals and trained company pest control personnel to address specific aspects of the food safety and quality management system.
• Develop, review, validate and implement all standard operating procedures and food safety protocols.
• Monitor staff compliance to GMPs in the food manufacturing, handling, storage and distribution facilities.
• Routinely collect samples to determine the quality of water, air, raw materials and finished products, as required
• Monitor temperatures of in-coming raw materials, finished products and storage areas.
• Assist in conducting monthly GMP inspections and conduct follow-up to ensure effective implementation of corrective actions.
• Label and follow through with all quarantined raw materials, packaging materials and finished products.
• Continually update job knowledge by studying trends in and developments in food safety and quality management; participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Effectively complete all other activities as delegated by the supervising authorities.

1.1 General Responsibilities:

• To implement any activity, process or strategy that will improve the competitive advantage of the company, in consultation with the Senior Site Management Team.
• Ensuring the maintenance of the good name and reputation of Caribbean Producers Jamaica Ltd. in general through the demonstration and practice of the highest standards of ethical conduct.
• To abide by the disciplinary code of the company.
• Any other duties as may be assigned.

2. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Well organized and methodical approach to work and the work environment.
• Capable of analytical/critical thinking
• Must be computer proficient including use of Microsoft platform (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Good decision making, planning and problem-solving skills
• Must display initiative and ability to work independently
• Should possess good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain good relationships with colleagues, staff and customers.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task.
• Ability to work flexible hours as the needs of the service dictate, including out of normal hours as required.
• Ability to work within Company Policies.

 3. Education & Experience:

• At least a Bachelor of Science Degree in a Technical Discipline (Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, etc.) or equivalent qualifications.
• Food safety (e.g. HACCP) and quality (e.g. ISO) certification required.
• At least 2 years’ experience in the implementation and auditing of recognized food safety and quality management systems (SQF, FSSC 22000 etc.) in the food processing industry.
• Knowledge of the SQF Food Safety Code
• Knowledge of Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Preventive Controls for Human Food desirable.
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant Health and Safety Regulations
• A current Food Handler’s Permit

 We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.