Food Safety Manager

Roles and responsibilities

Almarai is seeking a Corporate Food Safety Manager to lead the strategic alignment of food safety and quality with our overall business objectives. In this role, you will expand the Food Safety & quality culture, apply global best practices, and drive technical innovation to deliver “Quality You Can Trust.” Your efforts will protect our brand and ensure long-term sustainable profitability for the business.

Responsibilities:

Develop and implement food safety and quality strategies aligned with global best practices across all business units.
Lead the food safety development strategy, creating policies and processes for continuous improvement.
Provide food safety research services to enhance Almarai products.
Plan and direct food safety policies and programs to ensure quality compliance.
Ensure the implementation of food safety standards and training for technical relevance.
Drive corporate food safety initiatives to mitigate risks through effective controls.
Manage quality systems (EtQ, TG, SAP, HG) supporting the food safety and quality framework.
Set and manage compliance standards for food safety across business units.
Analyze food safety data to develop proactive action plans for all unit analysis and interpretation of food safety data as a leading indicator to ensure proactive food safety action plans for all BU's
Food Safety Program Development:

Develop, implement, and manage the company’s food safety programs to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal food safety regulations and industry standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP, ISO).
Design and implement food safety policies and procedures across all locations or production facilities.
Establish food safety training programs for employees to ensure adherence to safe food handling and processing standards.
Compliance and Regulatory Management:

Ensure that the company complies with food safety laws, regulations, and certifications.
Stay up to date with changes in food safety regulations and ensure the company’s policies are adjusted accordingly.
Coordinate and assist with internal and external audits and inspections from regulatory authorities, ensuring corrective actions are taken when necessary.

Desired candidate profile

15+ years in the food industry with a multinational organization in a senior food safety and quality management position.
Experience with ISO 9001, 22000, 14001, and FSSC 22000.
Extensive knowledge of HACCP principles.
Proven experience in food safety and manufacturing quality management.
Experience in food safety design, review, and validation during facility start-ups, expansions, and line extensions.
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in applied science, Food/Dairy Science, preferably Microbiology, or a related scientific discipline.
Relevant ISO Food Safety, Quality, and Environmental Standards Lead Auditor certification.
In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, standards, and best practices (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000, GMP).
Strong understanding of microbiological and chemical food safety hazards, and ability to implement effective mitigation strategies.
Proficient in food safety management software and tools (e.g., HACCP software, food safety auditing tools).
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
Soft Skills:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with employees, senior management, and external stakeholders.
Strong leadership and team management abilities, capable of guiding cross-functional teams to maintain food safety standards.
Problem-solving skills to quickly identify issues and implement effective corrective actions.
Attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy and quality.