Associate Quality Food Safety Manager
Farmer’s Fridge makes fruits and vegetables accessible and approachable for everyone. We offer a variety of fresh, healthy, ready-to-eat meals and snacks through our fresh food vending machines, wholesale partners, and our office pantry solution — providing chef-curated meals to customers within seconds. Today, we operate a network of Fridges and partner with clients nationwide in high-foot-traffic areas, such as airports, hospitals, universities, and large office buildings — where there is limited accessibility to fresh, healthy, grab-n-go options.
We care deeply about what we’re creating and aspire to make sure our customers feel that through every touchpoint. This shows up in many ways across the business. We are committed to prioritizing food safety, we are passionate about product quality, we value our employees, we champion the best idea no matter where it comes from, and we’re committed to making an overall positive impact as we scale.
About this Role:
The Associate QFS Manager is responsible for leading the onsite Quality and Food Safety (QFS ) Operations Team to ensure ongoing compliance with all internal and external policies/regulations, Food Safety and Quality Programs to safeguard the production of food-safe and high-quality products that meet or exceed customer and consumer expectations.
The scheduled shift for this role is Tuesday - Saturday (9 AM - 6 PM) at our production facility 5370 S Cicerco Ave. Chicago, IL.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead and Manage the onsite QFS Operations Team through planning and day-to-day operations, enforcing all QFS Policies, Programs, and Procedures while supporting the floor as needed.
- Act as a Key Stakeholder on the Operations Team and work cross-functionally with other teams at the plant to lead on projects and day-to-day issues.
- Manage and escalate issues with Regulatory agencies (USDA, FDA, Illinois, and Chicago Department of Health) pest control and other service providers.
- Manage and develop your team of supervisors & front-line work force including scheduling, timecard approval, and conducting quarterly performance reviews while providing ongoing feedback to direct reports on their performance.
- Maintain and Track QFS KPIs while working with stakeholders at the plant to meet QFS and Plant goals.
- Monitor deviations (CCPs, USDA NRs, Customer/Consumer Complaints, EMP, Foreign Material Events, Sanitation/Pre-op, etc.), troubleshoot and escalate issues, investigate root cause, and document corrective actions
- Support commercialization and new product launches to ensure adherence to run rules and QFS Programs.
- Lead preparation and execution of facility QFS audits.
Who You Are:
- Bachelor’s degree in food science or relevant field
- Familiarity with Google Suite and willingness to learn Tableau, UKG, eMaint and other programs
- 2+ years in quality and food safety and knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, SOPs, etc.
- 2+ years of previous people management experience
- HACCP and PCQI certified
- Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.
- Excellent verbal, and written communication skills
- Strong organizational and administrative skills
The base salary range for this role is $75,000 to $88,000. The base pay offered will be determined by factors such as experience, skills, training, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements.
In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for company performance-based/performance (sales) bonuses and equity.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance (multiple plans available)
- 401(k) with immediate employer match vesting
- Paid time off (including vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
- Paid sabbatical after 5 years of service
- Employee discounts
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Benefits at Farmer's Fridge:
In This Together - We stay connected, whether in person or virtually. We encourage business transparency through monthly town hall meetings and weekly financial updates. We set out to make the best product on the market, and we believe we’ve done it. We value your input in the new menu creation process. From regular tasting panels, where employees provide new menu feedback.
Happier Workdays - Each day at work should fill you with joy. We're a fun and passionate group, and we don't take ourselves too seriously. Bring your unique self to work, dress comfortably, and always feel free to share your thoughts and opinions. We encourage curiosity; there's no hierarchy here when we're all swapping ideas.
Never run on empty - Daily Farmer's Fridge meal and office snacks are just some of the offerings to make sure you aren't distracted by a growling stomach. Recharge with our paid sabbatical program after four years of service.
Innovate & Elevate - We're all teachers and learners. You'll grow and help grow the company through cross-functional collaboration, open access to leadership, and regular business updates. You have a direct impact on the company’s bottom line. You can also impact your bottom line by participating in our 401(k) plan that includes a company match with immediate vesting.Farmer’s Fridge Diversity Statement:
"Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Farmer’s Fridge, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.”
Farmer’s Fridge is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including hiring, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. View our disclosures related to External Agencies and Applicants below: https://www.farmersfridge.com/careerdisclosures