Food Safety Coordinator

About the Role:

The Food Safety Coordinator plays a critical role in ensuring that all food products meet the highest standards of safety and quality throughout the production and distribution processes. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive food safety programs that comply with federal, state, and local regulations. The coordinator will work closely with cross-functional teams including quality assurance, production, and supply chain to identify potential risks and implement corrective actions proactively. By conducting regular audits, inspections, and training sessions, the Food Safety Coordinator helps to foster a culture of food safety awareness and continuous improvement within the organization. Ultimately, this role ensures consumer safety, protects the company’s reputation, and supports regulatory compliance in all food safety matters.

Hours: 7:00 am - 3:30 PM

Location: Des Moines, IA

Days Working: Monday - Friday

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, Nutrition, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or a related role within the food industry.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations such as FDA, USDA, HACCP, and GMP.
• Experience conducting food safety audits and managing compliance documentation.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively train and collaborate with diverse teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification such as Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM), HACCP Certification, or SQF Practitioner.
• Experience with food safety software and data management systems.
• Familiarity with international food safety standards such as BRC or FSSC 22000.
• Previous experience working in a manufacturing or processing environment.
• Advanced degree or additional training in food safety or quality management.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain food safety policies and procedures in accordance with FDA, USDA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular internal audits and inspections to ensure compliance with food safety standards and identify areas for improvement.
• Coordinate and lead food safety training programs for employees at all levels to promote awareness and adherence to safety protocols.
• Investigate and respond to food safety incidents, including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to ensure raw materials meet safety and quality standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records related to food safety activities, audits, and compliance reports.
• Stay current with industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices to continuously enhance the food safety program.

Skills:

The Food Safety Coordinator utilizes their expertise in regulatory standards and food safety principles daily to develop and enforce effective safety protocols. Strong analytical skills are essential for conducting thorough audits and identifying potential hazards before they impact product safety. Communication skills are critical for delivering training sessions and collaborating with internal teams and external partners to ensure compliance and continuous improvement. Organizational skills enable the coordinator to maintain detailed records and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all safety documentation is accurate and up to date. Additionally, problem-solving skills are applied when investigating incidents and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence and maintain consumer trust.