Associate Team Leader, Food Safety & Quality Assurance, Micro Kitchen

The Micro Kitchen Food Safety & Quality Assurance Associate Team Leader (FSQA ATL) will report to the Associate Facility Team Leader (AFTL) and assist facility leadership in overall management and supervision of the FSQA Supervisors and Team Members in the Micro Kitchen facility. This role is responsible for upholding all Whole Foods Market and USDA standards, including the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) program and for ensuring overall quality controls at the facility including sanitation and safety standards.

The role prioritizes supporting WFM core values, promoting facility initiatives, and maintaining health and safety standards.

• Lead and supervise the daily operations of the FSQA team, including assigning tasks, providing guidance, and ensuring all FSQA standards are met and safety protocols are followed.
• Review and coordinate activities for Team Members engaged in all aspects of sanitation.
• Monitor and oversee environmental monitoring program and other swabbing programs as required conform to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) guidelines.
• Monitor all Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) and update frequently as business or the USDA dictate, including cross training Team Members on SSOPs.
• Produce accurate and detailed records and documentation, diplomatic resolutions, and clear communication.
• Audit and verify daily control logs, ensuring that records show compliance.
• Act as the primary liaison for all internal and external quality issues (customer complaints, USDA, FDA).
• Uphold all Whole Foods Market, USDA, and HACCP program standards and work closely with USDA inspector.
• Communicate department concerns to facility leadership and cultivate inter-department relationships.
• Manage Pest Control Program.
• Follow, comply with, and enforce established procedures, including health and sanitation and adherence to safe work practices.
• Assist facility leadership with interviewing, selecting, training, developing, and counseling Team Members in a way that builds and sustains a high-performing team and minimizes turnover.
• Work collaboratively with facility leadership and Team Member Services on Team Member relations including proper documentation, investigations, and corrective actions.
• Communicate and maintain Team Member safety and security standards.
• Achieve all required productivity, safety, and labor targets in partnership with facility leadership.
• Provide accurate, complete information in daily, weekly, monthly, annual, and “ad hoc” management reports.
• Establish and maintain collaborative and productive working relationships with Store Support and Operating Area teams supported by facility leadership.
• Build a positive work environment of outstanding teamwork, mutual respect, and exceptional morale.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of, and ensure compliance with relevant regulatory rules and standards, including OSHA, FMLA, HACCP, FSMA, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Department of Labor, Health and Sanitation, FDA, Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures.
• Support and provide input for learning and development needs of manufacturing employees to establish robust food safety culture at the manufacturing site(s).

• BA/BS degree in food science, microbiology, food technology, or a related field OR equivalent combination of education and FSQA experience within a food manufacturing facility.
• Prior management experience not required but may have informally led teams or performed in a team lead type of role.
• Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal food safety requirements.
• Strong understanding of food manufacturing operations and food safety prerequisite program requirements.
• PCQI and HACCP certified preferred.
• Basic computer skills; proficiency in select Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); and ability to learn custom applications.
• Basic understanding of ERP processes within a food manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the facility, including nights, weekends and holidays as…