Retail Food Safety Specialist

About Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, Fairway Markets®, Gourmet Garage®, and Di Bruno Bros.® banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices

As a member of the Quality Assurance Division team, you will play a vital role in ensuring food safety compliance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in our retail locations.

You will be responsible for conducting a variety of gap assessments and validation audits in retail stores to ensure accuracy and effectiveness of third-party inspections. Additionally, you will assist the stores and members in implementing long term, sustainable corrective actions through guidance and ongoing support.

Additional responsibilities will include: implementing workflows, guidance documents and training programs that support Division initiatives based on retail needs, acting as a liaison between retail stores and regulatory bodies, respond to store emergencies during and after business hours (e.g., power outages, refrigeration failures, fires, floods, etc.), follow up on consumer complaints requiring store level contacts, provide guidance to retail regarding proper pest control and prevention programs.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct thorough in-store food safety assessments, identify areas of opportunity, and recommend corrective actions.
• Generate detailed reports summarizing findings highlighting root causes, and outlining actional solutions.
• Validate the effectiveness of the third-party assessment program to ensure consistent and accurate evaluations.
• Support retail teams in implementing long-term, sustainable corrective actions through guidance and ongoing support.
• Implement workflows, guidance documents, and sanitation programs to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and Division initiatives based on retail needs.
• Act as a liaison between retail stores and regulatory bodies, ensuring timely resolution of food safety concerns.
• Respond to emergencies during and after business hours (e.g., power outages, refrigeration failures, fires, floods, etc.) and provide on-site support.
• Offer expertise and guidance on pest control, prevention programs, and sanitation best practices.
• Address and follow up on consumer complaints requiring store-level investigation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Environmental Health or related field is required.
• Certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS), Certified Professional in Food Safety (CP-FS) or equivalent is required.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, regulations, and best practices.
• Experience implementing workflows, guidance documents, and sanitation Standards Operating Procedures (SSOPs).
• Demonstrated high level of customer service, communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with all levels of Wakefern, Retail Store Management, Regulatory Compliance Specialists, and the Retail Team Members applying the Builds Relationships competency.
• Valid driver’s license and flexibility with regard to travel throughout our trading area, with occasional overnight travel as needed.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and priority tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to Outlook, Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel.

Core Competencies

• Communicate Effectively: Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well-organized manner, encouraging two way communication.
• Build Relationships: Creates cross functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships.
• Stay Competitive: Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work.
• Embrace Change: Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology.
• Develop You: Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth.
• Drive for Results: Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals.

Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to walk the length of the supermarket multiple times throughout the day, as needed.
• Physical demands include the ability to bend, stretch, extend, tug and pull based on inspection of various departments within the store
• Ability to drive long distances to support multiple store locations in the trade area.