Food Safety Lead

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

As the Food Safety Lead at Kerry Plentong, you will be responsible for overseeing and implementing food safety programs to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in food safety practices across all aspects of our operations.
 

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain food safety policies, procedures, and programs in accordance with local, national, and international regulations (e.g., FDA, FSMA, HACCP, GMP).
• Manage hygiene and sanitation activities for the plant, ensuring compliance with hygiene requirements and overseeing sanitation protocols.
• Coordinate and manage food safety activities, including overseeing investigations and corrective actions for food safety complaints and incidents.
• Perform validation and verification of sanitation procedures. Take corrective actions in case of deviations.
• Oversee sanitation improvement initiatives and collaborate with service providers on opportunities for enhancing sanitation practices.
• Conduct foreign bodies assessments and implement actions from risk assessments to prevent contamination and ensure product safety.
• Manage and conduct Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) studies, including managing Critical Control Points (CCPs), Operational Prerequisite Programs (OPRPs), and Pre-Requisite Programs (PRPs), including validations.
• Conduct training sessions on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety for employees at all levels of the organization.
• Audit GMP compliance across manufacturing and operational processes, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
• Stay updated on emerging trends, regulations, and technologies in food safety, GMP, and hygiene requirements, and incorporate relevant advancements into the company's food safety strategy.
• Perform meticulous validation and verification of sanitation procedures, with an inquisitive mindset. Implement corrective actions promptly upon detecting deviations, demonstrating attention to detail.
• Collaborating closely with internal and external customers and service providers to identify and capitalize on opportunities for enhancing food safety and sanitation practices. Influence and inspire others through your dedication and impactful contributions.
• Prepare and present reports on food safety and pest management performance, compliance metrics, and improvement initiatives to senior management and regulatory agencies as required.
   

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in food safety and quality assurance roles within the food manufacturing industry, with significant experience managing food safety programs and conducting HACCP studies.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Strong auditing capabilities and experience in conducting internal and external audits.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge of microbiology, chemistry, food technology, and process knowledge relevant to food manufacturing.
• Systematic and clear decision-making abilities, particularly in managing food safety incidents and implementing corrective actions.
• Proficiency in hygiene requirements, FSSC22000, ISO 22002, HACCP principles, and GMP standards.