Microbial Risk Manager

Site: VIC
- Victorville, CA Job:
Microbial Risk Manager

The Microbial Risk Manager is responsible for developing and implementing microbiological risk assessment and management strategies designed to mitigate and control microbial hazards present in the manufacturing facility. This leader will lead a team of 14-16 associates and/or contractors to coordinate microbial testing programs, sanitation procedures and process cleaning standards while ensuring full compliance with Mars Global good manufacturing practices (GMP) / good hygiene practices (GHP) standards, FSSC and other regulatory requirements.

To be successful the Microbial Risk Manager must possess strong technical knowledge in microbiology, be able to analyze and leverage data for root cause analysis and serve as a cross-functional leader, specifically with Quality Assurance, Operations, R&D and Reliability.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of leadership experience in food/beverage industry.
• Bachelor's degree is required with preference to candidates who have microbiology background.
• GMP, GHP, food safety, and regulatory standards knowledge/experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Nexus or other regulatory document control software, SAP, and other necessary administrative programs.
• Must be able to work within manufacturing facility, including at elevated heights.
• Demonstrated record of people leadership and associate development.

• Maintain best in-class micro performance status while actively evaluating relevant industry improvements for adoption.
• Direct leadership of 14-16 associates and/or contractors, providing department direction and individual objective-setting while focusing on continuous talent development based on Quality and Food Safety (Q&FS) strategy needs.
• Develop and lead the implementation and maintenance of site GMP-GHP and pest control programs.
• Drive CI and cost savings initiatives within your span of budgetary and responsibility control.
• Drive GMP-GHP compliance to the master sanitation schedule (MSS) standard by actively leading or participating in Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) Pillars and coaching supply associates in the execution of the Area Ownership / Equipment Ownership (AO/EO) standards.
• Participate in Food Safety risk assessment for new equipment installation to ensure clean design principles are met and provide direction of GHP’s to the CVS team.

• Review and evaluate updates in Corporate, ISO or regulatory standards related to GMP’s to conduct gap assessments and identify opportunities for compliance.
• Lead and drive the GMP efforts for the site to drive maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives while building functional competencies in GMP/GHP's across the different value streams/peer groups.

• Review, verify and approve pest control plan proposed by external vendor, and action results effectively.
• Collaborate with other Mars network sites in community of practice (COPs) to co-lead initiatives to improve effectiveness of the programs of responsibility.
• Participate as a member of the food safety team and Internal audit team.
• Partner with the site and, as needed, regional Q&FS to deliver upon standards and drive solid compliance and excellent execution within the site.
• Verify monitoring and correction plans to prevent infestations in the facility premises, the factory building or any warehouse within the site control.
• Assess effectiveness of external partners for pest control and provide timely feedback in accordance with the Five Principles.

• Provide cross-functional direction and support to mitigate and control incidents related to micro activity, GMP, or pest control in close coordination with the site Q&FS Manager and Production Manager.
• Consult and collaborate with the site food safety team on micro environmental control to address non-conforming verification testing results and develop actions to correct.

• Develop and manage site GMP inspection program (Schedule, training, corrective actions tracking, etc.); and provide visibility to the site leadership team of level of compliance against current requirements. Drive improvements based on findings.
• Provide information to the site leadership team to ensure all resources required to execute GMP and pest control programs are assigned.
• Support swabbing activities as and when needed during investigations.
• Coordinate with the regional teams and the site training department in the execution and completion of the mandatory training programs related to sanitation activity safety, GMP's and regulatory requirements for the site.

• Oversight of site sanitation budget for pest control and GMP related spend (consumables related to GMP, PPE, cleaning, sanitation and proactive micro monitoring).
• Directly responsible for budget cost management, suppliers ordering, and inventory management of…