Food Safety Coordinator

Grow our tomorrow.Celebrating over 165 years in business, we are one of North America’s top fresh produce sales and marketing companies. We bring over 100 varieties of produce from more than 20 different countries to the market. Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the past 20 years and one of Canada’s (and BC’s) Top Employers, our business is managed by a team of dedicated professionals delivering exceptional service from over a dozen offices throughout North and South America. And, because a healthy planet is essential to our growers, customers, and all of us at Oppenheimer, sustainability plays a vital role in everything we do.

Recognized as a Top 100 Employer and Canada’s Best Managed Companies (for the last 20 years!), our diverse team of dedicated professionals collaborate and make connections across our locations throughout North and South America. We owe our success to our adaptability, innovative and entrepreneurial approach, our commitment to our people, and the incredible relationships we build. We are looking for talented people who love a fast-paced, dynamic environment where you can grow your skills and career in a sector with abundant opportunity. Growyourtomorrow with us, today.

Overview

The Food Safety Coordinator maintains the company’s food safety, organics and government regulatory documentation, ensuring compliance across all suppliers (growers/exporters/fruit purchase vendors), cold storage locations and other supporting vendors. Liaises with internal and external contacts to gather and maintain required documentation in the US and Canadian markets. Maintains positive and effective working relationships in an ever-changing, fast-paced environment.

Hybrid Model

This role requires full in-office attendance for the first three (3) months to support training and onboarding. After this period, the position follows a hybrid schedule of three (3) days per week in the office.

Accountabilities

• Obtains and reviews food safety audit certificates, reports and supporting documentation such as lab tests results, risk assessments, HACCP plans, among other documents, from all suppliers. Ensures Hold-Harmless documents are signed for all FRUP vendors and that valid organic certificates are received.
• Initiates all food safety document requests for all new growers, vendors, and cold storage facilities. Communicates the food safety requirements.
• Reviews and administers all audit and document compliance for active growers and vendors. Supervises audits filed in TeamShare folders and uploaded into Contract Folio Console and SRM Entry.
• Evaluates exporters’ performance and recommends approval or rejection. Reviews and approves vendors in the SRM Entry in Optimo.
• Monitors status and recommends course of action for any non-compliant audits, ensuring major deficiencies are resolved prior to approval.
• Works with Vancouver and Calgary warehouses teams, ensuring compliance of all food safety requirements, including training, health and safety practices, and performance of cleaning and maintenance.
• Ensures the completion of all food safety records ((sanitation sheets, workers training, internal audits, pre-operational checklist, etc.) in accordance with schedule requirements.
• Oversees the completion of all lab testing (water, environmental), in accordance with schedule requirements.
• Assists along to the Food Safety & Operations Manager in the completion of the annual PrimusGFS audit.
• Provides information on Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) Canada and USA, referencing government information.
• Attends industry meetings to keep current and connected with changes and developments in the food safety and regulatory environment.
• Conducts mock recalls and traceability exercises both internally and for various business partners.

Required Knowledge & Abilities

• Thorough understanding of food safety practices in the produce industry; comprehensive knowledge of HACCP, GMP, GAP, FDA-FSMA and CFIA-SFC regulations.
• Experience with PrimusGFS and other GFSI-recognized audits.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; general knowledge of relevant software programs.
• Self-motivated and detailed-oriented, with the ability to manage a high volume of complex work under tight deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication (written & verbal) and customer service skills; ability to work effectively with multiple departments and forge strong relationships with all other stakeholders.
• Proven ability in exercising good judgement and critical thinking skills. Demonstrates a high level of integrity, ethics, and professionalism at all times.
• Strong organization and time management skills. Ability to prioritize multiple demands in a timely manner.
• Self-motivated with high standards and attention to detail. Ability to set priorities and work accurately within tight deadlines in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment.
• Positive and engaging attitude, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and fun working environment.

Ideal Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Business, Food Science, Agriculture, or a related field, with a strong focus on food safety.
• Minimum, 2-years of relevant industry experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of PrimusGFS and other GFSI certification schemes.
• Ability and willingness to travel to assigned locations as required.
• Proficiency in Spanish is strongly preferred.

Why Oppy

• We are the perfect size of organization that is still nimble but yet organized, where meaningful impact and contributions happen.
• We have a strong culture with terrific people that care about the business and each other. We want our people to grow and succeed.
• We believe in you bringing your best true self and your best ideas, because diverse perspectives contribute to better problem solving and solutions in a dynamic and ever evolving industry.
• We support your professional development and health with educational reimbursement and wellness programs.
• We offer a comprehensive total compensation package that includes defined contribution pension plan, extended health care, profit share, lifestyle/health spending account, tuition reimbursement and more.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment

Oppy is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer who actively seeks to recruit retain individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves at work. We care about the uniqueness of our applicants, employees, and partners. Diversity is fundamental to our success because it brings a range of perspectives that fuel innovation and excellence. That’s why we’re focused on creating an inclusive culture where every employee can contribute their unique talents and ideas.

We gratefully thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted directly.