Food Safety Manager
Compensation
EstimatedThe Role
Position Title: Food Safety Manager
Supported by: Director of Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time
Our Story:
Food Bank for the Heartland has connected our communities with food, resources, and hope since 1981. The fight against hunger is our ongoing, collaborative effort. We work with individuals, organizations, food manufacturers and distributors, grocery stores, the USDA, and Feeding America to procure food and purchase food to supplement donations. Through the collective power of our leadership, employees, partners, volunteers, and donors, we can reach more communities, serve more people, and address food insecurity more directly and effectively. As new needs arise, we are ready.
Our Philosophy: Every service we provide, program we offer, and decision we make is rooted in our core Mission, Vision, and Values.
In Short:
The Food Safety Manager ensures the integrity, safety, and quality of all food distributed across the organization. This role leads the execution of food safety programs, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance practices, driving consistency, accountability, and continuous improvement. Through oversight of inspections, audits, and corrective actions, this role protects the organization, strengthens operations, and ensures safe, high-quality food reaches all partners and neighbors.
Your Mission:
- Quality Assurance & Food Safety Oversight
+ Lead all inbound and outbound product inspection processes, including produce quality checks, to ensure established standards are consistently met prior to distribution
+ Evaluate and disposition incoming product, approving or rejecting shipments based on defined food safety and quality criteria, with clear and accurate documentation
+ Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Preventive Controls, and internal food safety procedures across all operational areas
+ Identify, assess, and mitigate food safety and quality risks across warehousing, production, and transportation functions
+ Ensure sanitation programs, inspections, and required documentation are executed accurately, consistently, and on schedule
+ Maintain a safe and sanitary environment for staff and volunteers by enforcing compliance with USDA, AIB, GMP, and local health regulations
+ Oversee core food safety programs, including pest control, chemical management, and temperature monitoring, ensuring consistency and audit readiness
+ Manage the allergen control program, ensuring proper identification, segregation, labeling, and prevention of cross-contact
+ Oversee environmental monitoring and facility condition programs, ensuring cleanliness, structural integrity, and proactive risk mitigation
+ Ensure the Quality Assurance inspection program is executed as designed, with all daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly inspections completed, documented, and resolved
+ Monitor inspection results and trends, ensuring timely escalation and resolution of identified risks or non-compliance
+ Drive consistency and accountability across all food safety and quality assurance practices, reinforcing a culture of compliance, ownership, and continuous improvement
- Audit, Compliance & Regulatory Management
+ Lead and execute internal food safety audits, ensuring consistent adherence to organizational standards and regulatory requirements
+ Support and coordinate external audits (AIB, USDA, FDA, Feeding America, and other regulatory bodies), ensuring readiness, accuracy, and timely follow-through
+ Manage corrective action processes, ensuring findings are documented, assigned, and resolved within established timelines
+ Monitor and ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable food safety, sanitation, storage, pest control, and disposal regulations
+ Conduct and document mock recalls and traceability exercises, validating the effectiveness and readiness of recall processes
+ Support the implementation and maintenance of Food Safety and Food Defense programs, including HACCP and Preventive Controls
+ Execute food recall procedures, ensuring timely communication, documentation, and coordination with internal teams and external agencies
+ Maintain working knowledge of OSHA and DOT requirements as they relate to food safety and operational compliance
+ Identify trends and recurring findings across audits, partnering with leadership to strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and improve operational consistency
- Leadership, Training & Team Development
+ Lead the Food Safety Committee and support the Food Safety Team, ensuring regular inspections are completed, documented, and followed through to resolution
+ Provide day-to-day leadership and direction, reinforcing adherence to food safety and quality standards across staff and volunteers
+ Coach and guide team members on food safety practices, regulatory requirements, and quality expectations to ensure consistent execution
+ Partner with
Benefits
Estimated- Competitive salary
- Health, dental & vision insurance
- 401(k) with match
- Paid time off
- Professional development