This role serves as part of a team that is a key
component of the food safety and microbiology program at ConAgra Foods. The
incumbent interfaces with internal departments and functions including
Quality, Engineering, Thermal Processing, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs,
Consumer Affairs, Legal and Safety, as well as with Operations. Thus, the
Senior Microbiologist must be an effective listener and communicator,
knowledgeable yet humble, both a leader and a team player, and energetic and
enthusiastic about the food safety goals and objectives.
The responsibilities of this role are numerous and include
establishing programs within operations that will ensure the production of
safe food. These programs may include HACCP systems, regulatory compliance,
specifications and guidelines, sanitation standards, environmental
monitoring, training, crisis management, policies and procedures,
construction interventions, microbiological testing, sanitary design, new
products, laboratory oversight and operating standards. These programs point
to the important role the Senior Microbiologist plays in working with
Operations, the primary responsibility.
The incumbent will work within the ConAgra operating platforms for
Frozen Meals, Snacks, Shelf Stable and Spicetec
Flavors & Seasonings. In addition, the Senior Microbiologist works with
internal staff responsible for co-manufacturers. This position plays a
comprehensive role in the coverage of operations and interfacing with
internal and external personnel. This position reports to a Microbiology
Director.
Provide
key input and direction to the ConAgra strategic food safety vision
consistent with company direction and focus.
Champion
a culture mindset of food safety first and foremost both horizontally and
vertically across the ConAgra enterprise.
Ensure
the adoption of best food safety practices across the organization including
pathogen environmental monitoring programs, food safety sampling and testing
regimens, and leading-edge methods deployment.
Conduct
portfolio risk assessments and recommend risk mitigation strategies and
approaches.
Respond
to food safety-related special situations and provides guidance and
direction to the process.
Interact
with key internal stakeholders such as Operations, Quality, Scientific and
Regulatory Affairs, Legal, and others on food safety-related issues,
policies, programs and procedures.
Collaborate
with key stakeholders such as Procurement, Co-manufacturing Quality and
others to ensure ConAgra’s food safety standards are rigorously adhered to
across the Global Supply Chain.
Ensure that all appropriate pre-requisite
programs to HACCP including training, GMP’s, SSOP’s, and others are
developed and functioning as part of ConAgra’s overall food safety system.
Minimum B.S. in Microbiology, Food Science
or related plus 7 years progressive food safety experience
M.S. or Ph.D. strongly preferred
Demonstrable
knowledge of HACCP and related food safety systems as applied at the food
manufacturing plant level.
Outstanding
interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
Strong
technical leadership with an understanding of business needs and processes.
Preference
for demonstrated external leadership with a record of accomplishment
relative to food safety via trade associations, academic consortia, and in
the regulatory arena.
Preference
for experience with government regulations (FDA/USDA/CDC/State and Local as
well as international).
Preference
for a track record of successfully managing cross-functional teams and
technical teams in the area of food safety.
Ability
to travel up to 50% of the time.
Excellent report writing skills
Working knowledge of statistical and
analytical tools
