Food Safety Compliance Manager

Overview of the role

This role will oversee and monitor all aspects of Food Safety/Defense and Quality Assurance (including recall procedures), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP’s), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Preventive Controls, and Food Defense Plans.

Based onsite Monday-Thursday at the San Francisco headquarters, with remote Fridays.

• Execute and routinely update all corporate food safety strategies, policies, and procedures; maintain open communication with related departments to identify food safety hazards and process improvement opportunities.
• Establish, conduct, and oversee FSQA internal and/or third‑party GFSI scheme audits of high‑risk suppliers and co‑packers to ensure FSMA, FDA, and USDA compliance.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve departmental policies, standard operating procedures, work instructions, templates, and other required documents.
• Ensure compliance with applicable food safety regulatory requirements (Federal, State/Provincial and Local) including USDA, FDA, FSVP, and Importing, and support product information, label review, and consultation with third‑party label experts for private‑label products.
• Use the document control system to collect, maintain, and update corporate SOPs, policies, and templates for all Food Safety related records and respond to internal requests for information regarding product specifications and/or food safety for purchased or re‑packed products.
• Maintain FDA registration of distribution centers containing food inventory.
• Maintain/update WSI food compliance manual for vendors.
• Lead the team in establishing/implementing WSI food quality standards/pillars.
• Assist with global food safety compliance for our global stores with third‑party experts as necessary.
• Additional special projects related to food compliance as needed.

• Key processes and requirements according to WSI/FDA requirements.
• Key activities and process requirements according to action plan within FSQA.
• Follow up with any FDA/Customs requests for documentation on any WSI products as needed.
• Inform the team of any new food laws and lead the team in overhauling product/labeling follow‑through.

• Excellent knowledge of food product categories: ingredients, raw materials, manufacturing, and quality levels.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes and technologies.
• Convert strategy into tactics, set operational plans, and secure execution in the product category/region/specific area of responsibility.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Minimum of 5 years hands‑on experience in leading quality assurance teams.
• Understanding of product and materials value chain and cost aspects.

• Process oriented with an analytical and structured approach.
• Capability to build trust and relationships through effective communication.
• Result oriented, high energy, and self‑driven way of working to deliver better products that exceed customer expectations.
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems with a holistic view in sourcing business.
• Capability to lead projects, seek efficiencies in processes, and secure implementation.
• Eager to build networks and relations and coach others.

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field with minimum 5 years’ combined experience.

• Minimum 3–5 years of food industry background/experience with food safety/quality knowledge required.
• Experience with Sanitary Transportation, FSMA, HACCP plan design, measurement, documentation, & training required.
• Experience in a food manufacturing and/or distribution environment, preferred.
• HACCP, human food PCQI, and FSVP QI certification of training, Food Defense experience/knowledge a plus.
• Auditor certification strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge with FDA (FSMA) & USDA regulatory requirements and food safety systems.
• Deep understanding of microbiology, hazard analysis, developing standards, managing processes, methods, and procedures,…