Job Information
Kroger Family of Companies Sr. Food Safety & Quality Specialist in Cincinnati, Ohio
Leads the development and oversight of Kroger’s corporate food safety and quality systems. Guides manufacturing facilities in implementing and validating food safety plans, ensures SQF certification, and drives resolution of systemic product quality issues. Oversees supplier compliance, monitors regulatory changes, and leads cross-functional initiatives to improve food safety performance. Supervises and coaches direct reports while contributing to strategic planning and continuous improvement across the network. Demonstrates the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead the development and strategic oversight of corporate food safety policies, procedures, and training programs
Guide manufacturing facilities in designing, improving and validating food safety and quality plans across all manufacturing processes
Direct efforts to implement and sustain SQF certification, ensuring alignment with Kroger’s standards and regulatory requirements
Evaluate and validate changes to food safety plans that impact product safety and quality across the network
Stay current with regulatory developments and proactively adapt corporate strategies to maintain compliance
Analyze customer feedback trends and lead cross-functional initiatives to resolve systemic product quality issues
Drive continuous improvement using advanced Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, including SPC and root cause analysis
Lead strategic planning efforts to enhance quality programs and influence future initiatives
Provide independent coaching and direction to plan operations on quality systems and issue resolution
Oversee corrective action processes to ensure sustainable solutions and prevent reoccurrence
Monitor and support supplier food safety compliance of Kroger corporate brand suppliers
Supervise and coach direct reports in the completion of their duties
Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation
QUALIFICATIONS Minimum
Bachelors degree in food science, dairy science, bakery science, food microbiology or related field
6+ years of progressive food manufacturing, food safety and quality experience
HACCP certification
SQF and/or GFSI implementation experience
FDA Preventive Controls Training (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual
Demonstrated knowledge and implementation of regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA, PMO)
Proven application of regulatory requirements and guidance into plant policies
Involvement in food safety, quality and/or regulatory focused professional organizations
Strong facilitation and training skills
Advanced Microsoft Office skills
Strong critical thinking skills and attention to detail
Demonstrated excellence in project planning, problem solving and execution
Proven leadership skills: coaching and developing leaders and associates
Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with frontline employees, peers and executives
Ability to drive positive change in processes, systems and culture
Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and Lean/Six Sigma
Proficient with product lifecycle management systems, quality systems such as InfinityQS and SharePoint
Desired
8+ years of progressive experience in food safety and quality assurance
Specialized knowledge/experience in food safety programs such as pest management, sanitation, GMPs, policy writing, chemical hazards
Varied knowledge of multiple food categories, including dairy, bakery, etc.
Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher
Lead Auditor certification and/or experience