Food Safety & Quality Manager

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 17,000 people globally.

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position

The Site Food Safety and Quality Manager will oversee and lead the Food Safety and Quality functions and programs for all facilities within Upper Sandusky Processing. This includes the Soybean Crushing and the further processing of Oil, Lecithin, and animal feed. The role involves leading certification efforts, fostering a culture of food safety and quality, supporting facility goals, ensuring adherence to FSSC22000 standards, and implementing necessary changes. The manager will ensure compliance with federal, state, and international food and feed regulations as well as customer requirements. 

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Ensure that food and feed products comply with domestic and international regulations, including US FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, Canadian Food Inspection Agency Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, and European Union standards. 
• Establish and implement food and feed safety plans according to regulatory requirements. 
• Maintain product specification sheets and feed labels. 
• Develop, implement, and sustain FSSC22000 requirements across the operation. 
• Lead on-site FSSC22000 certification, customer, regulatory, and product certification audits such as Halal and Kosher. 
• Prepare, monitor, and report on facility Food Safety and Quality leading and lagging KPIs and improvement plans.
• Act as a liaison between sales and external customers on technical questions related to product quality and food safety. 
• Provide customer feedback on product specifications and quality requirements. 
• Support Regional FSQ in completing food safety and quality program questionnaires and statements. 
• Coordinate product analysis to support the food safety plan or meet customer-mandated statements. 
• Investigate product non-conformances, lead root cause analysis, and follow up on CAPA completion. 
• Prepare CAPEX or AI project proposals as needed to improve quality and food safety programs. 
• Oversee work instructions for processes related to quality and food safety. 
• Serve as the site document control coordinator for quality and food safety management system procedures and records, and operation work instructions. 
• Perform or coordinate food safety-related training for employees and management. 
• Support the Food Safety and Quality team by providing resources necessary for optimal operation of QC and operations laboratories. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Regional Director of Quality. 

Decision-Making and Accountability

• Develop, implement, and monitor the food safety program to ensure compliance with US FDA regulations, including the Food Safety Modernization Act and CFIA.
• Comply with governmental and company policies, regulations, and standards to ensure adherence. 
• Contribute to developing and implementing program strategies to enhance product quality and food safety. 
• Work independently on responsibilities and consult with the Regional Director of Quality as needed. 

Company Conformance Statements

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates and the general public.
• Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company.
• Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with the law and Company policy.

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related science field. 

Experience: 2-5 years in a food manufacturing facility. 

Certifications: 

• Preventive Controls Qualified Individual – Human Food & Animal Feed 
• Food Defense Qualified Individual 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Strong and current knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices, Food Safety Modernization Act, and CODEX standards. 
• Working knowledge of recognized GFSI-benchmarked certification schemes (FSSC22000, SQF, BRC) and Identity Preserved Status Certifications (Organic, Kosher, Halal, Non-GMO). 
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ISO9001, ISO17025). 
• Knowledge of published methods (AOAC, AOCS, ASTM). 
• Understanding of microbiology in relation to food safety. 
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including experience managing projects and teams. 
• Broad knowledge of plant production processes, procedures, and equipment. 
• Understanding of laboratory equipment such as GC, Karl-Fischer, ICP, Tintometer, Fat Extractor, Protein Analyzer, Colorimeter, and NIR. 
• Fluent in English (verbal, reading, and writing skills). 
• Ability to write clear procedures or policies. 
• Professional communication skills, both written and verbal. 
• Ability to oversee and direct team efforts effectively. 
• Well-organized, self-motivated, and able to work under pressure and tight deadlines. 
• Ability to lead and motivate others in cultivating a food safety and quality-focused culture. 
• Resourceful, proactive, and able to handle multiple tasks with accuracy. 
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. 

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us