Food Safety Team Leader

Job Description

Job Title: Food Safety Team LeaderLocation: Kurali, Karjan, Vadodara Department: Quality Assurance / Production Reports To: Directors/CEOPosition Overview:The Food Safety Team Leader is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) in compliance with national and international food safety standards. This role requires strong communication skills, liaison capabilities, and expertise in production and quality management to ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality in the flour milling process.Key Responsibilities:1. Food Safety & Compliance Management:Lead the development and maintenance of the FSMS in accordance with FSSC 22000, ISO 22000:2018, and HACCP principles.Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety regulations, including FSSAI guidelines for flour milling industries.Monitor Critical Control Points (CCPs), Prerequisite Programs (PRPs), and Operational PRPs (OPRPs) to ensure effective control measures are in place. 2. Internal Audits & Certification Compliance:Plan and conduct internal audits to assess compliance with FSMS requirements.Coordinate external audits and certifications, including FSSC 22000, BRC, and other GFSI-recognized schemes.Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) based on audit findings.3. Regulatory & Legal Compliance:Ensure adherence to national and international food safety regulations, including FSSAI, USFDA, and BIS standards.Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes and ensure timely implementation within the organization.Liaise with regulatory authorities and certification bodies for inspections, approvals, and compliance matters.4. Documentation & Record-Keeping:Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including HACCP plans, SOPs, audit reports, and training records.Ensure all records are accurate, up-to-date, and readily available for inspections and audits.Prepare monthly reports on food safety performance and compliance status for senior management.5. Training & Awareness:Conduct regular training sessions for employees on food safety practices, GMP, GHP, and hygiene standards.Promote a culture of food safety and continuous improvement throughout the organization.Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and update them as necessary.6. Production & Quality Management:Collaborate with production and quality teams to ensure that food safety standards are integrated into all processes.Participate in product development and process improvement initiatives to enhance food safety and quality.Monitor and analyze production data to identify trends and areas for improvement.Qualifications:Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Technology, Microbiology, or a related field.Certifications: Certified FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor, HACCP Certification, FSMS Lead Auditor Certification.Experience: Minimum of 5 years in food safety, quality assurance, or related roles within the food manufacturing industry.Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, proficiency in documentation and record-keeping, ability to lead and train teams, and expertise in regulatory compliance and audit processes. Key Competencies:In-depth knowledge of food safety standards and regulations.Ability to develop and implement effective food safety management systems.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Proficiency in conducting audits and managing certifications.Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.Capacity to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.Additional Requirements:Willingness to travel for audits, inspections, and training sessions as needed.Flexibility to work extended hours during audits or emergency situations.Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with industry best practices and regulatory changes.