About the Role
The Senior Food Safety and Hygiene Officer is responsible for managing food safety regulations by conducting compliance audits, inspections, investigations, and verification reviews of food businesses. This role closely collaborates with department managers to ensure ongoing compliance, elevate standards, and provide appropriate training to personnel.
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Job Responsibilities
- Conduct and ensure completion of food supplier audits against HACCP systems, identifying necessary corrective actions and escalating major concerns.
- Support the fulfillment of Authority objectives according to the Branch work plan, ensuring effective and efficient food safety services are provided.
- Facilitate the dissemination of operational information and data to inform operational objectives.
- Provide quality technical information and advice on compliance issues.
- Execute functions and activities effectively and efficiently in accordance with policies and procedures.
- Conduct investigations and initiate appropriate enforcement actions in a timely manner to comply with Food Authority policies and procedures.
- Contribute to sourcing new suppliers and conduct regular evaluations of their production hygiene.
- Coordinate the ongoing development of the department’s food safety program and compliance, including conducting internal audits.
- Foster good working relationships both within and across departments under the food safety program.
- Ensure that all registers, records, and documentation related to the role are properly maintained.
- Collaborate with other safety roles within the organization, assisting as required to develop supportive relationships.
Job Knowledge & Skills
- Comprehensive understanding of food safety regulations, standards, and guidelines, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), and ISO 22000 for compliance with legal requirements.
- Ability to conduct risk assessments and hazard analyses in food production and handling processes, identifying potential food safety hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures to prevent contamination.
- Proficiency in ERP systems, preferably SAP, is required for success in this role.
- Knowledge of food hygiene principles, practices, and procedures, including personal hygiene, sanitation, cleaning, and disinfection methods.
- Skill in conducting food safety audits and inspections of food establishments, evaluating compliance, identifying deficiencies, and recommending corrective actions.
- Experience in providing training, education, and guidance to food handlers, production staff, and management on food safety practices and regulatory requirements to promote a culture of safety.
Job Experience
- Minimum 5 years working experience, with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
- 2 years of experience in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is a plus.
Competencies
- Leadership
- Resilience
- Quality
- Food Safety and Sanitation L2
- Document & Record Control L2
- Incident Investigations L2
- Conduct Food Safety Trainings L2
- HACCP L2
- Agility
- AI Fluency
Education
- Relevant degree or equivalent experience in food safety or a related field is preferred.
