Who We Are

Since 1955, we have been on a mission To Passionately Feed Millions Daily with High Quality Food People Enjoy!  We are a third-generation family-owned and professionally managed organization with a commitment to strategic growth. We continue to be successful because of talented people, just like you, who choose to join our family and call E.A. Sween home. We pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming, respectful, and rewarding culture where employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work each and every day.  At E.A. Sween, our team members are seen, heard, and appreciated not just for what they do, but for who they are. We hope you’ll join us!

What We’re Seeking

A reliable, quality-focused leader with excellent attention to detail who actively seeks opportunities to improve their team and department processes for greater efficiency without compromising product quality. Demonstrates a positive, "can-do" attitude who collaborates with and motivates others to make improvements.  Supports team development and promotes open communication within team and throughout the company.

Compensation: The target salary range for this position is $140,000-$160,000 annually, consistent with our internal compensation framework.  This position is classified as Grade 18, with a full pay range of $131,191.44-$209,994.14.  You are eligible for an incentive bonus up to 20% of your annual salary, prorated based on your start date.  Final pay will be determined by your experience, skills, internal equity, and available budget.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

Food Safety & Quality

• Identify, lead and facilitate execution of Food Safety & Quality programs and improvements for EAS operations.
• Evaluate and allocate resources to execute company initiatives that impact food safety and quality.
• Facilitate internal and external audits for Food Safety & Quality.
• Monitor trends and emerging issues within the Food Safety and Quality business environment to keep EAS on the leading edge of such issues.
• Facilitate crisis management for Food Safety & Quality issues, specifically the Recall Plan.
• Engage in relationships with suppliers to understand raw material specifications and ensure compliance to production needs and product specifications.
• Work with Sales and Customer Service teams to identify customer needs and guarantee products meet their requirements.
• Complete mandatory EA Sween Company Safety Training sessions; attend external training sessions as needed.
• Report hazardous conditions to management and work with Safety Manager to resolve issues.
• Cooperate with all aspects of the Safety Program at EA Sween Company.
• Perform all activities in accordance with Company safety policies.

Leadership

• Be a participating partner with the leadership team guiding E. A. Sween Company activities to achieve the strategic goals of the company.
• Oversee all functions of microbiology labs and plant quality teams.
• Oversee all facility sanitation programs (employees, suppliers, vendors and procedures) to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and food safety protocols.
• Review customer complaint data for trends that negatively impact food safety and quality.
• Lead the development and execution of supplier/co-manufacturer quality programs.
• Execute assigned food safety, quality and continuous improvement activities to support SQF System and customer required quality programs as updated.

Regulatory

• Ensure compliance with international and federal food safety standards including but not limited to FSMA, FDA, Seafood, USDA and local agency requirements.
• Monitor Regulatory Agency guidelines to ensure Quality Programs meet standards.
• Ensure food safety and HACCP plans have been validated.
• Assist in maintaining and testing of the trace-recall program. In the event of a recall, ensure lab functions including staffing, lab supplies, and access to a third-party lab are in order.
• Lead development and maintenance of facility allergen programs.

Financial

• Develop and submit an annual budget for the Food Safety & Quality department.
• Review expenses by period highlighting changes for scheduled budget updates.
• Research and recommend capital purchases for Food Safey & Quality during annual budgeting.
• Lead efforts to develop methods to minimize waste and minimize production inefficiency from quality defects.
• Lead supplier quality programs to ensure raw materials meet specifications and avoid product outages due to raw material defects.

Team Development

• Lead the development of the FSQ team including hiring, development plans, feedback, recognition and performance management.
• Lead the FSQ team to be active partners with Plant Operations leadership.
• Provide leadership support to the plant Quality Department in the absence of the Plan Quality Managers.
• Support and demonstrate the E. A. Sween Company Spirit and Values.

What You’ll Need (Qualifications)

Required

• BS Degree in Food Science or a Life Science with 5+ years of microbiology experience.
• 7+ years’ experience of Manage/Supervise of team & processes.
• HACCP certificate.
• SQF Certification
• PCQI Certification
• 7+ years’ experience implementing HACCP principles and FSMA rules including preventive controls.
• Personal computer skills using Microsoft Wod & Excel, Network)
• Attention to precision and detail.
• Able to interact with all divisions and levels of employees.
• Posses’ problem-solving strengths; able to work independently.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Continuously work with materials associated with microbiological analyses and safely work with biohazards.
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Able to occasionally be on feet for up to 5 hours per day.
• Able to work occasionally in a cold environment (-5 to 40 degrees) for 4-5 hours as needed to monitor the production area.
• Work under extreme pressure yet maintain accuracy/precision.
• Able to handle confidential information.
• Able to handle multiple projects and to prioritize effectively.
• Able to maintain and extend a positive attitude to the work environment; be able to accept and provide negative feedback in an effective manner.
• Able to handle interruptions to work-in-progress.
• Able to work overtime, some rotating weekends, and early morning/late afternoon hours, depending on ongoing projects, production schedules and staffing.

How You’ll Find Success at EAS

• Value People Most of All: Show respect & care, embrace diversity, and empower others.
• Commit to Safety Everyday: See something say something do something, practice safe behavior, and celebrate safety success.
• Invest in Our Company to Thrive: Share ideas to improve, learn & grow, and embrace change.
• Think Before Doing And Act Decisively: Make thoughtful decisions, work together to find solutions, and do what’s right.
• Welcome Constructive Straight Talk: Be honest and respectful even when difficult, be open to ideas and feedback, and ask questions to understand.
• Serve Up Exceptional Experiences: Provide value to customers, take pride in your work, and help others to be successful.
• Enjoy What You Do!: Have a positive attitude, Live the Spirit of E.A. Sween, and celebrate success.