MFG PLANT SR QUALITY LEADER - GROCERY & BAKERY

Kroger is one of the largest retail companies in the United States, renowned for its commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction in food and non-food product manufacturing, storage, and distribution. As a major player in the grocery and retail industry, Kroger operates numerous facilities nationwide that require rigorous adherence to federal, state, and internal food safety and quality standards. The company culture embraces core values such as respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety, making it a great environment for professionals dedicated to upholding these principles. Kroger’s focus on continuous improvement, sustainability, and regulatory compliance positions it as an industry leader dedicated to delivering safe and high-quality products to consumers.

The Food Safety and Quality Leadership role at Kroger is pivotal in maintaining and enhancing the company’s reputation for excellence. This position entails overseeing food safety compliance across manufacturing facilities and ensuring that all practices meet or exceed federal and state regulations as well as Kroger's food safety and quality requirements. The role requires providing expert leadership in developing and implementing sanitation programs, training lab technicians, sanitation crews, and hourly associates on food safety protocols. Additionally, this role is responsible for coordinating facility inspections, environmental testing, and supporting corporate initiatives such as plant safety, environmental sustainability, capital projects, and total productive maintenance.

The ideal candidate will lead efforts to maintain readiness for governmental and corporate audits, ensuring Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), allergen management, and product formulation standards are consistently met. Teaching and mentoring quality assurance staff, managing quality records, and investigating consumer feedback for continuous product improvement are crucial aspects of this leadership role. This position requires strong analytical skills, the ability to manage cross-functional teams, and proficiency in regulatory compliance and food safety systems such as SQF (Safe Quality Food).

As a leader in food safety and quality, the individual will also be involved in managing change control processes, evaluating risk, and participating in budgeting and key capital project identification. Data analysis to identify trends and proactive decision-making will be important duties. The role demands collaboration with suppliers and support to production teams to enhance quality assurance practices and ensure non-conformance events are thoroughly investigated and resolved.

This position is suitable for a seasoned professional with a Bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or a related field, combined with relevant certifications such as PCQI and GFIS-related programs, and significant experience in food or beverage quality assurance. The role calls for an individual who can thrive in high-paced environments, manage conflicts diplomatically, and act with integrity to protect consumer and business interests. Kroger values candidates who contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, sustainability, and quality excellence in manufacturing operations.