Food Safety Systems Specialist

Food Safety Systems Specialist

The Food Safety Systems Specialist provides front line technical support on food safety and regulatory compliance issues. The position is accountable to the Director – Centre for Meat Innovation and Technology, and works in close collaboration with the Technical Director – Meat & Poultry Ontario.

The Food Safety Systems Specialist works with Ontario meat processing plants on the adoption of recognized food safety systems. To be effective in the position, the incumbent must establish good working relationships and collaborative partnerships with stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities

· Provide direct support to the development of an interactive self-assessment platform that will guide businesses through the adoption of recognized food safety systems.

· Conduct and report gap assessments at facilities participating in the Food Safety Excellence program.

· Provide technical advice and/or assistance to stakeholders on: food safety and regulatory-related issues such as process controls, GMPs, CCPs, documentation and record-keeping requirements, development and operation of control programs, development of compliance strategies and sampling and testing programs.

· Conduct regular inspections and audits to monitor the effectiveness of food safety systems in place.

· Assist in the creation and dissemination of effective communication pieces of Meat & Poultry Ontario's available food safety resources and tools.

· Through on-site visits, attendance to workshops/seminars/other events and social media, promote and encourage the use of Meat & Poultry Ontario's available food safety resources and tools.

· Perform as the HACCP Coordinator of a federally inspected meat processing plant (from harvest to RTE products), including, but not limited to,

o ensuring that all work is performed according to the corresponding food safety system in place

o Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation (policies, procedures, records) related to HACCP activities, including monitoring, verification and validation procedures.

o developing/implementing, reviewing/maintaining HACCP plans

o delivering food safety training to employees.

· Handle the meat processing plant's relationship with provincial and federal meat inspectors.

· Assist in sample collection and processing as required.

· Manage work time effectively and independently, organizing schedules, keeping detailed records of activities and providing concise reports and notes of activities in a timely manner.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience

· Post-secondary education in a related field preferred

o Consideration will be given to those having demonstrated equivalent experience

· Minimum 5 years demonstrated hands-on experience developing, implementing and maintaining food safety systems (e.g., GMP, HACCP, SQF, BRC, ISO22000)

· Meat processing experience is an asset.

Technical knowledge:

· Knowledge of food safety hazards and risks.

· Knowledge of food production practices including raw materials, product formulations, food additives/ingredients, and quality control methods and practices.

· Knowledge of provincial and federal legislation, regulations and operational policies, protocols, guidelines, and procedures as it relates to meat processing.

· Formal training or certification in one or more of the following will be considered an asset:

o HACCP

o GMP

o Internal Audits/Inspections

o Gap Assessments

Analytical and problem-solving skills:

· Conduct gap assessments against recognized food safety systems.

· Recommend and assess corrective action plans.

· Apply understanding of science-based risk assessment principles, develop contingency plans and identify control measures.

· Ability to perform duties with minimal supervision.

Communication and interpersonal skills:

· Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external clients.

· Ability to communicate effectively and professionally.

Computer and Mathematical skills:

· Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams)

· Proficiency with computer software applications to gather, manipulate and store data/information, and to issue regular reports.

· Good mathematical skills.

Mandatory:

· Own a vehicle

· Valid Ontario class "G" driver's license

· Ability to travel extensively across the Province

What we Offer:

· 3 year contract with the potential for further extension

· Attractive Compensation:$75,000-$85,000

· Office base in Guelph

· Opportunity to travel across the Province

Who we are:

Meat & Poultry Ontario is a not-for-profit, board-led association representing approximately 200 members across Ontario including abattoirs, processing plants, butcher shops, fine food stores, suppliers, and partners.

Meat & Poultry Ontario is the heart of Ontario's meat industry. Our members are independent businesses proud to serve the communities they live and work in. They can be found across the province, involved in every stage of the meat industry from harvesting to retail. As an industry association we provide our members with different types of supports to assist their businesses.

Check us out on our website:

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