Food Safety And Compliance Expert

Work Location: Forest Park

Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, in-person attendance and flexibility are essential for supporting production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives. Schedules may vary and are subject to change.

Want to make an impact?

The Food Safety and Compliance Expert is responsible for designing and advancing the facility's food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance framework. Acting as the subject matter expert, this role ensures alignment with all applicable food laws and audit standards, provides technical guidance across the organization, and champions continuous improvement to elevate food safety and quality performance.

Ways you will make a difference

• Creates and manages the plant QA/Food Safety technical and compliance system to ensure food safety
• Create and maintain programs and policies as needed for full certification according to the Good Manufacturing Practices, HAACP, and applicable GFSI scheme.
• Ensures implementation and continuity of all key traceability, inspection, program management, and microbial program metrics.
• Completes root cause analysis for product or plant events
• Manages plant Environmental Monitoring Program
• Manages and tracks plant Food Safety training to ensure 100% compliance across all departments
• Assists with Food Safety Risk Assessments to ensure conforming plant operations
• Oversee all certification programs to ensure compliance against schemes or protocols
• Develop and evolve plant Food Safety programs to ensure compliance in an ever-changing environment
• Works with Quality and Corporate Food Safety team.
• Manages the internal audit program with a cross functional team
• Works with Quality and Food Safety Manager for strategic planning on program and capital needs or changes
• Manages plant validation programs for Allergen testing
• Develops, reviews and updates standard operating procedures
• Ensures adherence to all company policies and procedures.

Skills that will make you successful

• Ability to give clear directions
• Demonstrated analytic, problem solving and decision-making skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in hygienic design and practices
• Knowledge of manufacturing, sanitation practices, HACCP, FSMA, GMP's and SSOP's.
• Strong working knowledge of continuous process improvement

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or other relevant degree and substantial experience in quality and food safety
• Minimum 7 years of related experience
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite
• HAACP Certification
• ISO FSSC 22000 knowledge preferred

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $85,680 - $128,520 annually.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

Nearest Major Market: Chicago