Associate Manager - Food Safety and Validation

Overview

Associate Manager - Food Safety and Validation in Eau Claire, WI. This role champions the safety, quality, and compliance of infant formula products. It involves managing food safety programs and leading validation processes, including equipment qualification, cleaning validation, and software validation, while ensuring compliance with global standards like FSSC 22000, BRC, or SQF. The position supports adherence to infant formula regulations and drives continuous improvement across the organization.

Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm.

• Food Safety Management
  :
  Develop and oversee infant formula–specific food safety programs (HACCP, GMPs, allergen control) aligned with FSSC 22000 certification requirements. Monitor compliance with global standards such as FDA Infant Formula Act, Codex, FSMA, and FSSC 22000/BRC/SQF frameworks. Perform routine risk assessments and implement preventive controls.
• Validation Oversight
  :
  Manage validation processes for equipment critical to infant formula safety, including IQ/OQ/PQ protocols in line with FSSC 22000’s approach. Oversee cleaning validation to meet FSSC 22000/BRC/SQF guidelines. Conduct software validation emphasizing data integrity and compliance. Maintain validation master plans and reports.
• Regulatory Compliance
  :
  Ensure activities align with FSSC 22000/BRC/SQF, FDA Good Manufacturing Practices for Infant Formula, FSMA, and other global regulations. Serve as a key contact during regulatory audits and inspections, providing validation documentation.
• Training and Development
  :
  Design and deliver training on FSSC 22000/BRC/SQF-focused topics, covering food safety principles, validation protocols, and compliance requirements. Develop expertise in qualification and validation tasks related to FSSC 22000/BRC/SQF.
• Continuous Improvement
  :
  Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance safety and quality processes, driving compliance with FSSC 22000/BRC/SQF standards. Promote adoption of emerging technologies and best practices for quality assurance.
• Data Analysis and Reporting
  :
  Analyze validation and safety monitoring data to identify trends and maintain ongoing compliance with FSSC 22000. Prepare technical reports and presentations for senior leadership and regulators.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or validation, preferably in infant formula or infant nutrition.
• In-depth understanding of FSSC 22000/BRC/SQF certification requirements and implementation in infant formula production.
• Expertise in validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ), cleaning validation, and software qualification.
• Strong knowledge of FDA, FSMA, Codex, and FSSC 22000/BRC/SQF compliance standards.
• Analytical, organizational, and project management skills; effective communication and leadership abilities.
• Certification in food safety programs (e.g., HACCP, SQF) or FSSC 22000 training is desirable.

• Quality assurance functions knowledge; involvement with industry associations preferred; networking with regulators.
• Effective listening, negotiation, and communication under pressure.
• Quality compliance management, escalation processes, and metric development.
• QMS processes, reporting, and auditing experience.
• Expertise in applying predictive analytics and big data to create proactive indicators.

Competitive compensation with benefits tailored to you and your family, plus career development opportunities. Learn more about Total Rewards rigo is honored to be listed among Forbes Americas Best Employers by State 2024.

Applicants please note:
To apply, click the APPLY button at the bottom of the application. The SAVE button saves your profile but does not submit. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other characteristics protected by law.

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