Senior Microbiologist - Manufacturing

Reporting to the Microbiology Manager, you will be part of a team that is an essential component of the food safety, quality, and microbiology program. You will partner with internal departments and functions including Quality, Engineering, Thermal Processing, Sanitation, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Consumer Affairs, Legal & Safety, and Operations to support enterprise-wide food safety initiatives. This is not a laboratory-based role and includes regular interaction with manufacturing facilities and cross-functional teams. 

A Taste of Your Responsibilities 

• Provide input and direction to the strategic food safety vision aligned with company priorities
• Champion a culture focused on food safety across the organization   
• Ensure adoption of best-in-class food safety and quality practices including environmental monitoring programs and testing approaches   
• Conduct risk assessments and provide guidance during food safety incidents, recommending mitigation strategies   
• Collaborate with Procurement, Co-manufacturing Quality, and other stakeholders to maintain food safety standards across the global supply chain   
• Ensure pre-requisite programs supporting HACCP such as training, Good Manufacturing Practices, and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures are effective and maintained   
• Gather and analyze data trends to support food safety and quality decisions   
• Perform and manage technical work within assigned responsibilities   
• Conduct audits, train plant teams on compliance and issue management, and support onsite resolution of food safety and quality challenges   
• Design and implement procedures supporting quality assurance initiatives and supplier improvements   
• Ensure Food Safety Plans remain current and compliant with company, Food and Drug Administration, and United States Department of Agriculture standards   
• Partner across functions to drive efficiency and effectiveness in food safety and quality programs   

Ingredients Required for Your Success 

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field required; Master’s or Doctorate preferred   
• 5+ years of related industry experience in food manufacturing or food safety   
• Experience with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points and related food safety systems at the plant level   
• Experience communicating scientific concepts to technical and non-technical audiences   
• Technical leadership experience with an understanding of business operations and processes   
• Experience with government regulations including Food and Drug Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control, and other regulatory bodies   
• Experience leading cross-functional and technical teams in food safety   
• Experience with statistical and analytical tools
• In the Chicago, IL or Omaha, NE office Monday - Thursday
• Depending on the needs of the business, operational impact at the plant level will require 50% to 75% travel   

Physical Requirements 

More information about essential tasks and the facility will be shared during the hiring process. This role may require you to be in our manufacturing facilities. When visiting these sites, the physical requirements below may apply: You may be required to walk around the facility, climb stairs/ladders, kneel, or perform repetitive tasks that require hand-eye coordination. You may be required to lift or carry materials that can vary in weight and size. This is a manufacturing environment with large, moving equipment. Noise levels can be high, and temperatures may vary.  

Number of Days in Office: 4   

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