Lead Assurance - FSQ Licensees and Co-MansFresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is a global leader in the production, distribution, and marketing of fresh, value-added, and shelf-stable fruits and vegetables under our Fresh and Foods divisions. Our diverse product portfolio proudly bears the Del Monte brand and also includes prepared fruits and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks, and desserts - available in over 80 countries worldwide. With operations spanning more than 35 countries, we've proudly been nourishing families for over 135 years. The Lead Assurance - FSQ Licensees and Co-Mans supports food safety, quality assurance, supplier compliance, and product quality programs for the company's global trademark licensee and co-manufacturer network. This role partners with legal, regulatory, R&D, and external licensee teams to help ensure all licensed manufacturers and products consistently meet corporate food safety and quality policies and procedures, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliance, and regulatory standards as it relates to licensee compliance. The role supports licensee qualification activities, manufacturer audits, compliance monitoring, claims substantiation, sample testing, and sample review processes. This position provides technical input and recommendations related to licensed manufacturers and products carrying the Del Monte logo and collaborates with cross-functional teams to support quality and compliance objectives. The role also supports domestic and international co-manufacturer activities, including audits, product commercialization projects, production trials, commissioning support, and issue resolution activities while following established FSQ programs, procedures, and leadership guidance.
Accountabilities:
Support qualification activities for trademark licensees and co-manufacturers, participate in onsite audits, coordinate audit logistics, and review audit documentation for compliance with established requirements.
Ability to travel 25-50%.Maintain corporate FS/QA requirements for manufacturer approval and evaluate management systems of licensees.
Conduct risk assessments based on product category, geographic location, manufacturing processes, ingredients, and regulatory considerations.
Collect, review, approve, and maintain repository of supplier prerequisite FS/QA programs, specs, and labels in accordance with established procedures.
Support FS/QA activities during new product development and commercialization projects.
Review formulation changes, ingredient substitutions, packaging modifications, and process changes.
Review food safety and quality risks are properly assessed and provide recommendations to support approval decisions.
Support product launches through verification of compliance with corporate standards.
Product sample review and evaluation. Coordinate samples requests and receipts from global licensees. Conduct product evaluations including sensory evaluation and quality verification. Document findings and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
Claims substantiation through document review: kosher, halal, non-GMO, BPA-ni, etc. Partner with Legal and Regulatory teams to ensure claims compliance in applicable markets.
Support and provide guidance regarding (as applicable): FDA or USDA requirements, FSMA, FSVP, Traceability, CA Prop 65, pesticide compliance and MRLs, heavy metals, etc.
Assist with tracking and maintaining KPIs and scorecards for licensee performance.
Monitor quality complaints, non-conformances, audit observations, corrective actions, and communicate findings to appropriate stakeholders.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives across the licensee and co-manufacturer network. Verify effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions.
Incident, Recall, and Crisis Management:
Review labels, packaging artwork, and product information for compliance with regulatory and corporate requirements.
Verify ingredient statements, allergen declarations, nutrition information, and claims accuracy.
Collaborate with Legal, Regulatory, FS/QA, R&D, Brand Marketing, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams to support quality and compliance objectives.
Ensure compliance with all approved and applicable safety rules in the employee's area of responsibility.
To maintain and improve FSQ skills and food safety knowledge, a strong effort must be made to build knowledgebase through continued education.
Solution Oriented - work to overcome obstacles or roadblocks always working to resolve in a positive manner. Overcome challenges or obstacles even when it means choosing the hard right over the easy wrong.
Exercise sound judgment within established guidelines and provide recommendations to support timely decision-making and goal achievement.
Promote compliance with company policies and the Code of Conduct.
Stay focused on the critical priorities. Connect individual work deliverables to organizational and departmental goals.
Demonstrate professional knowledge and good judgment with focus on achieving necessary tasks at hand and make course-corrections to ensure success. Measure progress against plans and goals.
Minimum Skills Required:- Bachelor's Degree in Food Technology or related discipline.
- Recommend 4-6 years of quality assurance, food safety, or related experience.
- Experience auditing food manufacturing sites, warehouse/storage areas. Preferably across different food and manufacturing categories: canneries; low acid and high acid/acidified products; water activity controlled; refrigerated and frozen.
- Experience in food processing and manufacturing, sanitation, quality assurance, and production statistics.
- Experience in/knowledge of sanitation concepts, environmental controls and monitoring
- Experience with project management, commercializing new products from concept to launch, adhering to timelines and ability to quickly adjust based on an evolving project or supply chain.
- Experience with cross-functional teams; strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- GFSI and BRC Standards.
- Understand customer needs and expectations. Organize, plan, and problem-solve to exceed their expectations and develop positive relationships.
- Ability to multi-task and remain flexible. Possess and display desire, goodwill, initiative, and discipline.
- An effective communicator; excellent oral and written skills to communicate with all levels including executive management, outside vendors, and major customers professionally. Keep business leaders abreast of emerging situations as needed.
- Intermediate computer skills (Microsoft Office products).SAP experience or similar preferred.
- Onsite (facility) FS/QA manufacturing experience and Corporate FS/QA management experience
- Multi-lingual preferred.
Please note:
This position does not qualify for relocation expenses. Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fresh Del Monte and its affiliates do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We also participate in E-Verify* where applicable, to ensure employment authorization eligibility. Driven by our core values - Excellence, Care, Passion, Trust, and Creativity - we invite you to explore our career opportunities and join our FRESH team.
