Food Retail Supervisor - East Region (Food & Dairy Industry Mgr 14

Job Description

Food and Agriculture is one of the largest industries in Michigan. Grow with us and make a difference!

The Bureau of Food Safety and Animal Health and Human Food Division of MDARD has a mission to protect public health by ensuring a safe and wholesome food supply, while working to maintain a viable food industry. Food safety is the Human Food Division's top priority. This position functions as part of the division's management team and is responsible for oversight and administration of the activities of the Food Retail Section’s East Region.

The primary duties include:

• Direct supervision of field inspectors who inspect and regulate area food establishments and ensure the safety of Michigan’s food supply. This includes workload management, quality assurance, performance evaluation and staff development.
• Policy development and implementation.
• Regional coordination including complaint investigations, sampling, licensing, and enforcement.
• Oversight of regional-level emergency response functions.
• Manage regional program coordination with partners such as local health, industry, civic organizations, FDA, and beyond.

The ideal candidate will possess and be able to demonstrate key position-critical skills and abilities, including: subject matter expertise; knowledge of related laws, policy and procedures; active leadership qualities, skills and abilities; the ability to serve as a liaison with industry partners; the ability to exercise professional judgment; the ability to supervise and train staff; enhanced listening and communication skills; the ability to utilize and implement sound decision-making skills;

the ability to handle conflict-type situations effectively; and, a professional demeanor and composure in all situations.

This position has a home workstation within Michigan's Lower Peninsula and requires travel to the office and other sites for required meetings as needed.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is comprised of four bureaus that use a customer-driven, solution-oriented approach to cultivate and expand new economic opportunities for the food and agricultural sector; safeguard the public's food supply; inspect and enforce sound animal health practices; control and eradicate plant pests and diseases threatening the $125.8 billion food and agriculture system; preserve the environment by which the farming community makes their living and feeds consumers;

and protect consumers by enforcing laws relating to weights and measures.

MDARD offers a positive work-life balance with optional hybrid work options and flexible work schedules. Department leaders support a great team culture and are committed to professional development.

Possession of a bachelor's degree in animal science, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental health, food science/technology, microbiology, toxicology, veterinary science, or a related field including 10 semester (15 term) credits in a combination of biology and/or chemistry courses.

Five years of professional food and dairy industry experience equivalent to a Food and/or Dairy Industry Field Scientist, including three years equivalent to a Food and/or Dairy Industry Field Scientist P11, two years equivalent to a Food and/or Dairy Industry Field Scientist 12, or one year equivalent to a Food and Dairy Industry Manager 13 or Food and/or Dairy Industry Specialist 13.