Food Safety Manager

Food Safety Manager #00068

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a Food Safety Manager for the Food Safety Program in the Office of Dairy and Foods, Division of Animal and Food Industry Services. Under the leadership of the Program Manager, the Manager will collaborate and direct assigned regions of a statewide Food Safety Program and provide both operational and technical management and support for the Food Safety Program that includes four regional offices.

Program activities include administering all food laws and regulations; implementing and directing an inspection program that will protect the public from adulterated and misrepresented food products and dietary supplements while simultaneously promoting food safety and coordinating emergency response activities with respect to food products. Duties include coordinating human resource activities; managing grants and ensuring federal contract compliance; evaluating current regulations and making recommendations for amendments or new legislation;

working with the Program Manager to achieve the objectives and strategies as outlined in the strategic plan; and overseeing inspection and emergency response activities. The Managers will have routine interaction with Virginia's food industries, federal/state officials and law enforcement organizations, special interest groups, and the general public to communicate program services and regulatory requirements. The selected individual will establish and work from home offices under the guidance and direction of the Office of Dairy and Foods Program Manager.

They will be required to work from the VDACS headquarters in downtown Richmond a minimum of one day per week, or as otherwise needed or approved. The home office will serve as the base point for related commuting and travel requirements; therefore, the home office location must reasonably be distanced from Richmond to allow for efficient travel and productivity. This is generally determined to be approximately 2 hours allowing for some flexibility.

The home office must have reliable access to a network for mobile communications. Once onboarded, this position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration of telework shall be approved as outlined in the Commonwealth's telework policy.

Extensive knowledge of food and dietary supplement safety principles and practices. Demonstrated knowledge of budget/fiscal management and prioritized allocation of resources, financial management, legislative processes and policy and regulation development practices. Demonstrated ability to manage and supervise personnel, operations, and technical aspects of a complex statewide program. Exceptional oral/written communication skills, public relations and presentation skills. Exceptional customer service, organizational, interpersonal and leadership skills and proven ability to interact effectively with industry, state/federal government officials, the food industry, a diverse workforce and the general public.

Proven ability to motivate, coach, lead and manage/supervise personnel as well as demonstrate team orientation, flexibility and desire for constant improvement. Progressive experience in food, health or environmental regulatory compliance programs to include grant management, financial analysis, personnel management, and purchasing procedures. Computer proficiency, considerable relevant supervisory experience and relevant technical expertise. Must have (or be eligible for) and maintain a valid driver's license and have a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety.

HS Diploma/GED required.