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Food Safety Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Health & Safety Program Manager is responsible for managing system safety programs and chemical compliance processes to ensure a safe and compliant operational environment. This role drives ...

There is never a dull moment with us. /Preferred Qualifications KLA's Corporate Product Safety & Regulatory Compliance organization is seeking a Product Safety Program Manager) to lead and ...

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Food Safety Program Manager information

What does a food safety program manager do?

A Food Safety Program Manager oversees the development, implementation, and monitoring of food safety protocols within an organization. They ensure compliance with food safety regulations and standards, conduct risk assessments, and coordinate training for staff on safe food handling practices. Their role is critical in preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring that products meet both regulatory and customer expectations. They often work closely with quality assurance teams, regulatory agencies, and production staff to maintain a safe food supply.

What are some common challenges faced by food safety program managers, and how can they be addressed in a dynamic food production environment?

Food Safety Program Managers often encounter challenges such as staying up-to-date with ever-changing regulations, ensuring consistent compliance across multiple sites, and fostering a culture of food safety among diverse teams. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing training, proactive communication, and robust internal audit systems. Collaboration with cross-functional departments like quality assurance, production, and supply chain is key to identifying risks early and implementing effective corrective actions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food safety program manager, and why are they important?

A Food Safety Program Manager requires expertise in food science, regulatory compliance, HACCP principles, and typically a degree in food safety or a related field. Familiarity with tools like SQF/BRC certification systems, food safety management software, and auditing protocols is essential. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating teams and ensuring compliance. These competencies are crucial to maintaining food safety standards, minimizing risk, and protecting public health in food production environments.

What is the difference between Food Safety Program Manager vs Food Safety Specialist?

AspectFood Safety Program ManagerFood Safety Specialist
CertificationsServSafe, HACCP certification, ISO 22000ServSafe, HACCP certification
Work EnvironmentOversees programs across multiple facilities or departmentsPerforms inspections, audits, and training at specific sites
ResponsibilitiesDevelops, implements, and manages food safety programsEnsures compliance, conducts inspections, and provides training

The Food Safety Program Manager typically has broader responsibilities, overseeing food safety initiatives across multiple locations, while the Food Safety Specialist focuses on executing inspections and compliance at specific sites. Both roles require similar certifications and work within the same industry, but the Program Manager holds a more strategic, leadership-oriented position.

What are popular job titles related to Food Safety Program Manager jobs in California?

For Food Safety Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Safety Program Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Safety Program Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Food Safety Program Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Food Safety Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Safety Program Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Safety Program Manager, Principal

PG&E Corporation

Oakland, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Requisition ID # 173896 

Job Category: Project / Program Management 

Job Level: Manager/Principal

Business Unit: Energy Delivery

Work Type: Hybrid

Job Location: Oakland

Department Overview

The Enterprise Service Delivery (ESD) Business Operations team delivers a broad range of expertise and services to drive integrated, cross-organizational solutions for ESD. By providing strategic counsel and program governance, the team helps the organization balance operational strategy, risk, compliance, and continuous improvement. We aspire to build leading programs that enable ESD and PG&E to thrive in their operations.

 

Job Summary

The Principal Safety Program Manager serves as the organization's senior strategic leader responsible for shaping, governing, and advancing enterprise-wide safety programs and culture. This role provides thought leadership, develops long-term safety strategies, and drives transformational initiatives that reduce risk, improve operational performance, and strengthen organizational resilience.

As a recognized subject matter expert, the Principal Safety Program Manager partners with executive leadership, business leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders to establish safety governance, influence enterprise decision-making, and ensure alignment between safety performance, regulatory compliance, and business objectives.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in safety management systems, governance, risk management, organizational change, operational excellence, and executive stakeholder engagement

 

Required Skills & Competencies

  • Strategic Leadership & Executive Influence
  • Safety Governance, Risk & Compliance Management
  • Incident Investigation, Root Cause Analysis
  • Program/Portfolio Management & Performance Analytics
  • Lean Six Sigma, Change Management & Continuous Improvement
  • Stakeholder Engagement, Communication & Collaboration
  • Leadership Development, Coaching & Culture Transformation
  • Safety Culture Transformation

This person will travel up to 30% within the PG&E service territory.

PG&E is providing the full salary/pay range for this position.  The actual amount paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, internal equity,specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, and geographic location.  The range to reasonably expect will be around the minimum and the midpoint <$136,000 - $184,000 of the range>.  The final decision will be made on a case-by-case basis related to the factors above.This job is also eligible to participate in PG&E’s discretionary incentive compensation programs.  

Bay Area Min: $ 136,000

Bay Area Mid: $ 184,000

Bay Area Max: $ 232,000

 

Responsibilities:

Enterprise Safety Strategy & Leadership

  • Lead enterprise safety strategy, culture, and transformation initiatives.
  • Advise executives on safety performance, risks, and emerging trends.
  • Align safety programs with business objectives and risk priorities.

Safety Governance & Executive Oversight

  • Establish safety governance, councils, and review forums.
  • Monitor performance, manage risk escalation, and drive accountability.
  • Provide executive reporting and strategic recommendations.

Risk Management & Compliance

  • Lead enterprise risk assessment and mitigation efforts.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance and audit readiness.
  • Oversee corrective action and compliance programs.

Serious Incident & Learning Management

  • Oversee serious incident investigations and executive reviews.
  • Drive root cause analysis, organizational learning, and corrective actions.
  • Monitor trends and systemic risks to prevent recurrence.

Program Portfolio Leadership

  • Lead enterprise safety programs and strategic initiatives.
  • Establish governance, metrics, and performance measures.
  • Manage resources and ensure measurable outcomes.

Data Analytics & Performance Reporting

  • Define safety KPIs, metrics, and benchmarking standards.
  • Leverage analytics to identify risks and improvement opportunities.
  • Deliver executive dashboards and performance insights.

Continuous Improvement

  • Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives.
  • Standardize best practices and governance processes.
  • Drive sustainable safety and operational improvements.

Stakeholder Management & Influence

  • Partner with executives, regulators, labor, and business leaders.
  • Influence strategic decisions and drive cross-functional alignment.
  • Represent the organization in industry forums and benchmarking activities.

Leadership Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic direction to safety teams and stakeholders.
  • Build organizational capability in safety, governance, and risk management.
  • Develop talent and foster a high-performance culture.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, Engineering, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, or related field.
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in safety, risk management, operational excellence, compliance, or program management.
  • 4+ years leading enterprise-level safety programs, governance frameworks, or transformational initiatives.
  • Demonstrated experience influencing executive leadership and organizational strategy.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams within complex, highly regulated environments.Proven success building enterprise governance structures and driving measurable safety improvements.

Desired Qualifications

  • Master's degree preferred
  • Proficiency with Excel and Power BI
  • 8+ years leading enterprise-level safety programs, governance frameworks, or transformational initiatives.
  • 12+ years of progressive experience in safety, risk management, operational excellence, compliance, or program management.

Preferred Certifications

  • Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
  • Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
  • Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)