What are the responsibilities and job description for the Food Safety Programs Manager position at Tillamook?
Food Safety Programs Manager
Come join the Tillamook Team, one of the fastest-growing dairy brands in the US, where we Play to Win to create over 200 dairy products in 7 different categories: cheese, ice cream, yogurt, sour cream, butter, cream cheese and frozen meals. Our Uncompromising Quality has led us to become the #1 Cheddar, #2 Cream Cheese and #3 Family Size Ice Cream brand, but we’re not stopping there. We’re loading up for our best years to come and want you to join us.
As a farmer-owned cooperative since 1909, we know that being Good Stewards for our stakeholders and doing a little extra always pays off. We’re looking for team members with a One Team and Genuine Care mindset who are inspired to share the delight of the Tillamook brand with each other and others every day.
What you will do:
The Food Safety Programs Manager acts as the designated on-site primary Safe Quality Food (SQF) Practitioner, responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, review, and maintenance of the SQF and related food safety systems. They will also be responsible for taking appropriate action to ensure the integrity of the SQF System; and communicate to relevant personnel all the essential information to ensure the effective implementation and maintenance of the SQF and related food safety systems.
They also lead continuous improvement activities and projects as they relate to food safety and quality systems.
Here’s a day in the life:
Manage SQF Certification Body relationship and coordinate annual SQF audits.
Act as primary site contact for regulatory and food safety events when Plant QA Manager is absent, including inspections and inquiries.
Maintain expertise in SQF Code, HACCP based food safety plans, and SQF System requirements relevant to certification scope.
Monitor and interpret regulatory requirements (FDA, FSMA, USDA, ODA, PMO) and provide guidance to site teams.
Oversee development, implementation, review, and maintenance of SQF System, GMPs, and food safety plans, ensuring compliance and trademark use.
Facilitate food safety and management reviews; report monthly to senior site management on SQF System performance.
Develop and maintain verification and validation schedules for Food Safety Plans and prerequisite programs; ensure documentation before implementation or process changes.
Review, create, and update food safety and quality documentation, including work instructions, forms, and training materials.
Partner with NPD and Corporate Quality to ensure new products, ingredients, and packaging meet food safety and quality requirements; manage incoming ingredient and packaging programs.
Coordinate annual review and maintenance of food safety plans; document and validate all changes.
Facilitate SQF system testing activities (e.g., Crisis Management Exercise, Mock Recall, Traceability) and support CAPA processes for complaints and non-conformities.
Conduct annual audits of SQF and regulatory systems; identify gaps, document findings, and drive corrective actions.
Manage identity programs (Kosher, Halal), pest control program, and vendor relationships; coordinate third-party and regulatory audits.
Utilize systems (TraceGains, Workfront, D365, ETQ) to review, audit, and approve supplier documentation; support KPI reporting.
Provide leadership and guidance on food safety and regulatory compliance; collaborate cross-functionally, lead change initiatives, and ensure strong communication and organizational practices.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science degree required (food or microbiology a plus)
In lieu of a degree, High School diploma plus 7 years’ leadership experience in a Food Production environment required
Preferred: PCQI Certification, HACCP Certification, SQF Certified Practitioner
EXPERIENCE:
4 years of experience in Quality Assurance, Food Safety, or related field required
2 years of auditing experience (GFSI Lead Auditor certification a plus)
Preferred:
Dairy foods industry a plus
Project Management experience
People Leadership experience
Systems experience: Redzone, D365, ETQ, Workfront, LabVantage, LIMS, TraceGains
Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement
Industry leading benefit and reward programs:
We offer outstanding benefits to our employees. For more information, please visit the careers page: www.tillamook.com/careers.
We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion where all employees are heard, valued and feel a sense of belonging. We rely on different perspectives, thoughts, backgrounds and cultures to inform our work, to help us be better as a brand and as an employer and to fuel our success. We are seeking talent from a wide range of diversity, perspectives, and backgrounds to join our exceptional organization and help us build our future.
Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is a Drug-Free Workplace. EEO
TCCA prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability status (including those related to pregnancy and childbirth), protected veteran status, membership/non-membership in a labor organization, or any other characteristic protected by law.