Produce Food Safety Coordinator (12 month contract)

Produce Food Safety Coordinator

Position Type: 12-month contract

Department: Quality Assurance / Food Safety

Reports To: Food Safety Manager / Quality Assurance Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time Contract

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Produce Food Safety Coordinator for a one-year contract position, with possibility of extension. The successful candidate will support the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of food safety and quality programs across produce operations.

This role will focus on ensuring fresh produce products are handled, stored, transported, and distributed in accordance with applicable food safety regulations, company policies, and industry best practices. The position will work closely with internal departments, suppliers, growers, and distribution teams to maintain high standards of food safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Support the implementation and maintenance of food safety programs for fresh produce operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable food safety regulations, including Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requirements and relevant provincial legislation.
• Monitor adherence to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Good Handling Practices (GHP), as applicable.
• Assist with maintaining food safety policies, procedures, work instructions, and records.
• Identify potential food safety risks and recommend corrective and preventive actions.

2. Supplier & Produce Safety Management

• Support supplier food safety approval and monitoring programs.
• Review supplier food safety documentation, including audit reports, certifications, and corrective action plans.
• Assist with supplier assessments and follow-up on outstanding food safety issues.
• Monitor produce handling practices, temperature controls, sanitation, and storage conditions.
• Support investigations related to supplier complaints, product quality concerns, and potential food safety incidents.

3. Audits, Inspections & Documentation

• Conduct routine food safety inspections of produce storage, handling, and distribution areas.
• Assist with internal and external food safety audits.
• Maintain accurate food safety records, inspection reports, and compliance documentation.
• Track audit findings, corrective actions, and completion timelines.
• Support preparation for regulatory inspections and third-party certification audits.

4. Traceability & Recall Management

• Support produce traceability programs to ensure effective product tracking from supplier to customer.
• Assist with mock recalls and traceability exercises.
• Maintain documentation related to product recalls, withdrawals, and food safety incidents.
• Support timely investigation and resolution of food safety concerns.

5. Training & Continuous Improvement

• Assist in delivering food safety training to employees involved in produce receiving, handling, storage, packaging and distribution.
• Promote food safety awareness and a strong food safety culture.
• Identify opportunities to improve food safety processes and operational compliance.
• Prepare reports and communicate food safety performance, trends, and areas requiring attention.

Qualifications & Experience

• Post-secondary education in Food Science, Food Safety, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or produce operations preferred.
• Knowledge of fresh produce food safety requirements and handling practices.
• Familiarity with HACCP principles, GMP, GAP, and food safety management systems.
• Knowledge of CFIA regulations and Canadian food safety requirements is an asset.
• Experience with supplier food safety programs, audits, inspections, and corrective actions is preferred.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Key Competencies

• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to identify and assess food safety risks.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

Contract Duration & Working Conditions

• One-year contract position, with possibility of extension.
• Full-time employment.
• Occasional travel to suppliers, warehouses, or operational locations may be required.
• Will be required to occasionally work in colder temperatures i.e. coolers
• Flexible working hours may be necessary to support operational food safety requirements.

Why Join Our Team?

This is an excellent opportunity for a food safety professional to contribute to the safety and quality of fresh produce operations while working with cross-functional teams and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.