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Food Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Grupo Bimbo

Quality Food Safety Manager

Cicero, IL · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

Support Quality and Food Safety Manager in evaluating compliance to conducting plant wide inspections related to quality, food safety and food defense * Ensure active participation in the Product ...

Magi Foods, LLC

QA Assistant

Schertz, TX · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Trains on all food safety policies including HACCP and food defense. * Completes daily records. * Ensure product conformity with customer and regulatory standards. * Reports any deviations to ...

Bimbo Bakeries USA

Quality Food Safety Manager

Cicero, IL · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

Support Quality and Food Safety Manager in evaluating compliance to conducting plant wide inspections related to quality, food safety and food defense * Ensure active participation in the Product ...

Magi Foods, LLC

QA Assistant

Schertz, TX · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Trains on all food safety policies including HACCP and food defense. * Completes daily records. * Ensure product conformity with customer and regulatory standards. * Reports any deviations to ...

Magi Foods, LLC

QA Assistant

Schertz, TX · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Trains on all food safety policies including HACCP and food defense. * Completes daily records. * Ensure product conformity with customer and regulatory standards. * Reports any deviations to ...

Magi Foods, LLC

QA Assistant

Schertz, TX · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Trains on all food safety policies including HACCP and food defense. * Completes daily records. * Ensure product conformity with customer and regulatory standards. * Reports any deviations to ...

Mexsnax

Food Safety Manager

Dallas, TX · On-site

Train employees on GMPs, food defense, food fraud, HACCP, allergen control, sanitation, and food safety practices * Analyze quality and food safety trends and recommend continuous improvements ...

Restaurant Company

Warehouse Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

$90K/yr

The first shift team is responsible for receiving operations, inventory management, and enforcing food safety and food defense standards to ensure product integrity and regulatory compliance. General ...

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Food Defense information

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How much do food defense jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for food defense in the United States is $22.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges faced by professionals working in Food Defense roles?

Professionals in Food Defense often face challenges such as staying current with evolving regulatory requirements and identifying potential vulnerabilities in complex supply chains. They must also develop and implement effective preventive measures while coordinating closely with various departments, including quality assurance, security, and supply chain management. Additionally, maintaining a culture of vigilance among staff and responding rapidly to incidents or threats are critical aspects of the role. Successful food defense specialists are proactive, detail-oriented, and effective communicators.

What is the difference between Food Defense vs Food Safety Specialist?

AspectFood DefenseFood Safety Specialist
CertificationsFEMA, HACCP, FSMAHACCP, ServSafe, FSMA
Work EnvironmentSecurity-focused, manufacturing, processing plantsInspection, quality control, compliance in food facilities
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, government agencies, retailFood production, quality assurance, regulatory agencies

Food Defense focuses on protecting the food supply from intentional contamination or sabotage, emphasizing security measures. Food Safety Specialists concentrate on preventing unintentional contamination through safety protocols and compliance. While both roles aim to ensure safe food, Food Defense is security-oriented, whereas Food Safety is quality and safety compliance-oriented.

What is food defense?

Food defense refers to the protection of food products from intentional contamination or adulteration by biological, chemical, physical, or radiological agents. Unlike food safety, which aims to prevent unintentional contamination, food defense focuses on preventing acts of tampering or terrorism that could harm public health or disrupt the food supply. This involves implementing security measures, conducting vulnerability assessments, and training staff to recognize and respond to potential threats. Food defense is critical for ensuring consumer safety and maintaining trust in the food system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Food Defense role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Food Defense role, you need expertise in food safety regulations, risk assessment, and vulnerability analysis, typically backed by a degree in food science or a related field. Familiarity with food defense plans, regulatory standards (such as FSMA and HACCP), and incident response systems is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals identify threats and coordinate preventive measures. These skills and qualities are vital for protecting the food supply chain from intentional contamination and ensuring public health and regulatory compliance.
More about Food Defense jobs
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Food Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Defense job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,753 per year, or $22 per hour.
Quality Food Safety Manager

Quality Food Safety Manager

Grupo Bimbo

Cicero, IL • On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Have you ever enjoyed Arnold®, Brownberry® or Oroweat® bread? A Thomas'® English muffin or bagel? Or perhaps snacked on a Sara Lee®, Entenmann's® or Marinela® cake or donut? If the answer is yes, then you know Bimbo Bakeries USA!
More than 20,000 associates in bakeries, sales centers, offices and on sales routes work to ensure our consumers have the freshest products at every meal. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, we provide a safe and inclusive work environment that appreciates diversity, promotes development and allows our associates to be their authentic selves.
#LI-JV1x
Come join the largest baking company in the world and our family of 20,000 associates nationwide!
Top Reasons to Work at Bimbo Bakeries USA:
Salary Range: $98,000 - $127,000
Annual Bonus Eligibility
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Paid Time Off
401k & Company Match
Position Summary:
Sanitation Team Leaders play an important role in helping BBU bake with world-class practices, win as one team, grow our people, and serve our customers. They embrace the consumer by producing high-quality products and ensure operational capabilities by supporting their team in executing the Operations Excellence Playbook. Our Sanitation Team Leaders empower and involve their teams to achieve key performance metrics and win the shift. They create a compelling culture by engaging and developing their team through effective coaching strategies and expect ownership and accountability to achieve Thruput and Shipping on-time, in-full.
Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Win the shift by ensuring that that all aspects of the shift, such as product, equipment, and processes, adhere to world-class standards for quality, food safety efficiency, and safety
  • Foster a culture of Associate engagement by respecting, including, and empowering all Associates
  • Uphold and promote our E5 Leadership Behaviors: Embrace the Consumer, Ensure Operational Capabilities, Empower and Involve, Engage and Develop, and Expect Ownership and Accountability
  • Identify issues, assign actions to the appropriate team member, and follow up to ensure it was completed. Escalate issues to department leaders, as needed
  • Coach Associates towards an independent, problem-solving mentality to consistently achieve world-class standards
  • Operate with a One Team mentality by collaborating across departments to solve issues and ensure production is to schedule
  • Prepare priorities for you and your team for the upcoming shift
  • Communicate and coordinate important issues with the right team members to solve issues, including cross functional partners, incoming shift team leaders, and department leadership
  • Deliver on Key Performance Indicators for People, Quality, Safety, Service, and Cost
  • Engage and develop core competencies in Associates through onboarding, training, coaching and consistent performance feedback
  • Achieve all safety goals. Deliver on safety awareness programs in order to eliminate unsafe acts and conditions that contribute to workplace injuries. Comply with workplace standards, company policies and government regulations.
  • Ensure product quality, advising others to ensure product runs within specification in compliance with quality standards
  • Lead the team of associates to serve sales by achieving production schedule attainment, KPIs for thruput and shipping on time, in full
  • Ensure cost efficiency by reducing waste, decreasing down time, and overseeing appropriate staff scheduling
  • Utilize tablets and essential applications within the tablets, such as Kleanz ,SOMAX, Rever, Shift Guides, Intelex, and more, to keep processes running effectively
  • Perform data analysis trending reports and action plans for the plant's sanitation, quality and Food Safety KPI's
  • Maintain and improve with the direct support of the Quality Food Safety Manager, the BBU quality and food safety policies/system and ensures that the programs and policies are followed throughout the facility and reviewed
  • Support Quality and Food Safety Manager in evaluating compliance to conducting plant wide inspections related to quality, food safety and food defense
  • Ensure active participation in the Product Quality and Food Safety Programs, and Sanitary Conditions in the bakery and supports without hesitation General Plant Safety, GFSI (SQF), Food Safety, Food Defense Initiatives and Good Manufacturing Practices

Key Behavioral Competencies:
  • Operational Execution: This role requires the ability to think strategically about business needs, set data-based priorities, and build plans with their associates, fellow Team Leaders and their Department Leader to achieve improved business KPIs. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational, planning, communication, and leadership skills. They will have the ability to effectively coordinate and manage operational activities, ensuring efficient workflows, clear communication channels, and successful execution of tasks and projects.
  • Set the Standard: This role has overall responsibility for universal achievement of Operations Excellence standards and practices for their team. The ideal candidate must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, to accommodate operational needs. They will possess the ability to read English and follow written procedures accurately, ensuring compliance with established guidelines and protocols. Additionally, they will have the ability to work off ground level with proper safety equipment, demonstrating a strong commitment to safety practices. They will also be able to work in a non-air-conditioned environment, adapting to various working conditions and environments as required.
  • Driving our Culture: Our GB values and culture are what make our company different. It is critical that the Team Leader builds a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence, providing consistent leadership in working with bakery leadership and associates while emphasizing teamwork and collaboration that leads to high-quality products, high associate engagement, and successful financial results. The ideal candidate will be a team-oriented person, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where individuals work together towards common goals. They will value and promote teamwork, encouraging open communication and active participation from all team members.
  • Be a Change Leader: Drive the realization of Operations Excellence efforts across their team. Utilize strong decision-making skills and flexibility in order to drive sustainable operational initiatives and process improvement activities, and provide the necessary leadership to promote change throughout their team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong willingness to learn new skills and adapt to changing circumstances. They will embrace new challenges, seek opportunities for growth, and inspire others to embrace change and continuous learning.
  • Developing our Talent: While driving accountability for results, be supportive and effective at developing individuals to assume greater levels of responsibility and personal contribution. The ideal candidate will exhibit leadership qualities that inspire and motivate team members. They will be committed to talent development, providing guidance and support to individuals to help them enhance their skills, assume greater responsibilities, and contribute to the overall success of the team and organization.

Education and Work History:
  • 5-7 years of Bakery or Food Manufacturing operations management experience
  • Bachelor's degree, in Food Science or related major preferred
  • Bakery operations /Quality / Food Safety / or Sanitation supervisory experience (2 years or more)
  • A combination of education, training and experience that results in demonstrated competency to perform the work may be substituted
  • HACCP, PCQI, Food Defense Coordinator and GFSI Certified. Sanitation Essentials or AIB Sanitation / Food Safety residence course or similar training/certification
  • Computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • Organized and detail oriented
  • Comfortable working in a participative team environment
  • Ability to work under pressure and multitasking

The physical and mental demands described in each job posting are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of each job. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of each job.
Bimbo Bakeries USA is an equal opportunity employer with a policy that provides equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, any other classification protected by law.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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