Director Global Food Safety, Microbiology and Toxicology

About the role

The Head of Global Food Safety will provide leadership to the company and will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive food safety and sanitation strategies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and customer requirements. This role will manage programs and governance for monitoring compliance to food safety, and sanitation standards driving continuous improvement. This role ensures new developments and risks are identified and ensures programs exceed regulatory requirements and industry standards. This role must lead risk assessments to find solutions to balance the business needs. The role will involve leading a team of food safety managers and experts to assess, monitor, and improve food safety and sanitation practices across all our global operations.

Key responsibilities include

• Develop and implement global food safety, and sanitation policies, procedures, and protocols in alignment with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Lead a team of professionals responsible for conducting risk assessments, hazard analyses, and microbiological testing to identify potential food safety hazards and mitigate risks.
• Oversee the development and implementation of sanitation programs to ensure compliance with hygiene standards and prevent contamination throughout the production process.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Global Quality Assurance functions, Operations Innovation & Strategy, Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain, Safety, Health & Environment, and Customer Innovation & Technical Services, to integrate food safety and sanitation practices into all aspects of the business.
• Stay abreast of emerging food safety trends, regulations, and technologies, and provide strategic guidance on their implications for the organization.
• Establish and maintain relationships with regulatory agencies, industry associations, and external stakeholders to advocate for food safety initiatives and represent the company's interests.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the food safety, and sanitation teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability.
• Drive initiatives that foster a culture of food safety excellence and sanitation awareness. Act as a central hub for disseminating critical information and best practices across the organization, ensuring alignment with global standards and industry advancements.
• Establish robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure ongoing compliance with food safety regulations and standards. Implement systems for real-time data tracking and analysis to drive proactive corrective actions and foster a culture of continuous improvement in food safety practices.
• Develop comprehensive reporting mechanisms to improve visibility into food safety performance metrics throughout the organization. Utilize data analytics and visualization tools to provide actionable insights and benchmarks, facilitating informed decision-making at all levels.
• Lead efforts in anticipating and mitigating potential food safety crises. Develop crisis response protocols and manage regular issues to ensure preparedness. Serve as a key liaison with regulatory authorities and external stakeholders during crisis situations, guiding the organization through effective resolution and communication strategies.
• Oversee the verification and validation of critical risk assessments to ensure the accuracy and reliability of food safety measures. Utilize scientific expertise and industry insights to assess emerging risks and recommend appropriate preventive measures and interventions.
• Foster collaboration and alignment across regional teams to develop a cohesive global food safety strategy. Work closely with regional leaders to understand local priorities and challenges, integrating them into a unified strategy that drives consistency and efficiency in food safety practices worldwide.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to both direct and indirect reports. Foster a culture of engagement, empowerment, and accountability, ensuring that teams are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to deliver exceptional results in food safety, microbiology, toxicology, and sanitation.

About you

• Engineer or Master's degree in Food Engineering, Food Science, Microbiology, Toxicology, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 20 years of experience in food safety, microbiology, toxicology, or sanitation leadership roles within the food industry.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, including FDA, USDA, and international standards (e.g., Codex Alimentarius).
• Strong understanding of microbiological principles, foodborne pathogens, toxicology and sanitation practices.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing food safety and sanitation programs in a global environment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to drive results, prioritize initiatives, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Certification in food safety (e.g. Certified Food Scientist, Certified Professional Food Manager, FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food) is a plus.
• Fluent in English, other languages an asset (French, German, Portuguese, Spanish)
• Travel requirements: up to 50% time.