Sr Manager Food Safety & QA

Company Overview

Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park operated by NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies, owning and operating major media brands and theme parks worldwide.

The Senior Manager, Food Safety & Quality Assurance leads a team of three QA specialists to maintain food safety and quality standards across the theme park and City Walk venues. The manager serves as the primary liaison with the LA County Health Department and directs quality assurance efforts using systems and analytical tools to protect employee and consumer safety and product integrity.

• Lead the development and implementation of enhancements to QA programs addressing food safety, allergen management, and dietary guidelines.
• Formulate strategies for metric reporting and technology systems pertinent to food safety initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with Guest Services and Legal departments to establish and communicate comprehensive Allergen and Dietary Guidelines to guests.
• Deliver accurate, timely, and consistent technical support for food service operations, ensuring alignment with departmental philosophy and adherence to food safety, sanitation standards, corporate QA procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as a proactive and reactive liaison with regulatory authorities, maintaining current knowledge of applicable and forthcoming regulations.
• Oversee third‑party food safety audits for designated business units, supporting program reliability and effectiveness as an operational food safety performance measure.
• Address and investigate reports of foodborne illnesses, injuries, and product defects or contamination; determine root causes of validated issues, coordinate laboratory analyses and forensic investigations as required, and verify appropriateness of corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Prepare comprehensive reports outlining findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Engage regional leadership during monthly reviews of food safety performance, facilitating actionable and meaningful improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of HACCP plans tailored to specific projects and events.
• Stay informed on regulatory agency updates regarding emerging concerns, consumer advisories, food safety alerts, proposed regulations, and other public health or business‑impact matters.
• Monitor industry developments to identify and integrate food safety best practices.
• Assess the suitability of food and beverage vendors and suppliers to maintain risk management and quality standards across the supply chain, working with sourcing, quality, and risk leaders.
• Partner with Facilities and Technical Services groups to ensure facility safety, readiness, permitting and compliance with relevant regulations. Lead company certification efforts under GFSI standards (SQF or BRC) and handle other assigned responsibilities.
• Prioritize continuous improvement in education, awareness, and operational processes. Work with the VP of Culinary to establish GMPs and HACCP for Production Kitchen and Restaurants, setting strategic objectives and achieving short‑term goals.

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in Food Safety and Quality Assurance with at least 5 years in QA management overseeing staff and responsible for administration of QA analysts/inspectors/food safety specialists.
• Experience overseeing QA/QC within facilities with 50+ employees and robust QA/QC processes, supporting revenues from multi‑unit F&B operations greater than $50M annually.
• Certified Serv Safe Professional and Serv Safe Certified Instructor within 6 months of employment.
• HACCP certification or strong technical knowledge with HACCP certification within 6 months of employment.
• Experience managing proper labeling and storage as it relates to allergens.
• Experience with traceability, recall, and food defense (food security) programs.
• Strong foundation and understanding of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), Food Safety (CP‑FS Certified is a plus), and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification.
• Participation in local Food Safety related industry groups.