Food Microbiologist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

As a premier global food provider, the OSI Group partners with the world’s leading foodservice and retail food brands to provide concept-to-table solutions that delight consumers around the globe.

Join us and discover a work experience where diverse ideas are met with enthusiasm, and where you can learn and grow to your full potential. We’re looking for individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and who enjoy working as a team to deliver unparalleled service and solutions to our customers.

This role is responsible for leading all FSQA department activities and for developing and executing OSI’s food safety and quality strategy for our smaller/less complex plant facilities. This role works closely with operations and the NA FSQA team to drive OSI’s food safety culture in a very fast paced and customer driven environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Job manages a team, has authority to hire and performance-manage the team.

• Job leads/supervises/manages 6-15 employees

• Responsible for leading the facility FSQA team and managing all food safety, quality and sanitation programs, and regulatory relationships.

• Ensure compliance and effective implementation of company standards, GFSI requirements, and all applicable customer standards and USDA/FDA regulations.

• Ensure that complete and accurate records are maintained for all government requirements and FSQA programs within the facility through the management of FSQA department staff members.

• Serves as the facility lead and technical liaison for all FSQA audits and customer visits.

• Monitor and audit sanitation processes with regards to their impact on food safety/quality and make recommendations of process changes as necessary to meet standards. Meet with plant cross functional team and contract sanitation weekly to review performance and sanitation KPIs.

• Investigate and properly document customer complaints.

• Work collaboratively with Plant Management Team on Root Cause Analysis for ongoing or unforeseen issues. Lead site Corrective Action Program for FSQA opportunities.

• Compile and analyze quality performance data to identify areas for operational improvement. Develop reports and reporting processes for data and resulting analysis and recommendations to be delivered to management.

• Participate on project teams such as the development of new products or new processes or the installation of new equipment by providing analyses on quality impact and needs. Actively participate in plant trials and commercialization of new products.

• Maintain HACCP and Food Safety Plans, ensuring appropriate hazards are addressed and the latest scientific supporting documentation utilized.

• Oversee the site and/or 3rd party Analytical and Microbiological laboratories and their associated testing.

• Assist with review of quality agreements and act as technical liaison and SME, for site FSQA, with all customers and suppliers.

• Ensure site wide FSQA training program is adequately maintained and documented.

• Develop and lead internal FSQA department including coaching, hiring, training, and appraising through performance reviews against measurable objectives.

• Maintain personal knowledge of current and developing government food regulations and food industry trends.

• Working occasional weekends is an expectation for the role.

• This role has the responsibility to understand and place in practice appropriate safety procedures. This responsibility is achieved through education, training, use of protective equipment (as applicable) and by following safety policies, regulations, standards, and laws.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience & Skills

• 10+ years of experience in related field is preferred.

• Experience in USDA-FSIS regulated products and industry best practice is required.

• Knowledge of the FDA regulatory framework is preferred.

• Competency with digital manufacturing technologies and continuous improvement tools (LEAN/Six Sigma) is preferred.

• Previous people leadership roles with multi-shift direct reports.

• Progressive leadership roles within quality organizations with proven track record of success.

• Good leadership and communication skills with demonstrated team building success.

• Has a passion for building, developing and leading strong diverse teams.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with employees at all levels of the organization.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities at one time using effective organizational skills and judgment in an environment of frequently changing circumstances.

• Excellent proficiency in all Microsoft Office Suite Products.

Education

• BA/BS or equivalent is required.

• In food science, food microbiology, biology, or related field preferred.

• Certifications in HACCP, PCQI and GFSI is preferred.

Compensation/Benefits

This role is also eligible to participate in the company annual discretionary bonus plan based on company and individual performance. As part of a complete total rewards package, OSI also offers comprehensive paid time off (sick, vacation, holidays and other programs), 401k with matching company contributions, a full suite of benefit offerings (medical, dental, vision, life, disability and other voluntary coverages) for you and your family and educational assistance with opportunities for professional development.

Work Environment

• Work can be performed within a manufacturing plant environment with noise, extreme temperatures, and significant movement of powered equipment, people and conveyors (may depend on the role).

• Work conditions are typical of an office & plant environment.

• This role requires 10% domestic travel.

• Frequent weekend work may be required.

• Position may require the physical agility of lifting up to 50 pounds

• Position may require frequent and/or infrequent bending, squatting, pushing, pulling, stretching/reaching, use hands or fingers, talk, hear, feel objects, tools, controls and standing/walking on concrete flooring.

• Position may require the physical ability to stand/walk for Greater than 4 hours.