Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) Manager - Belvidere, IL (relocation offered)

The Belvidere plant is a strategically important manufacturing sites in the company. The plant supports two different operating units (Snacks and Convenience & Food Service), and manufactures products for the company’s largest and most profitable segment, North American Retail(NAR). The plant has over 500 employees, is expanding with growth investments and has been part of the Belvidere community for nearly 120 years, most recently the last 20 years with General Mills. The Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) Manager will own the responsibility of leading the FSQ team and serve as the subject matter expert on the plant leadership team to provide strategic direction and tactical insights on all matters of quality, food safety, sanitation, and regulatory requirements. The product portfolio includes top selling snacks products in the United States (Nature Valley Oats and Honey, Chewy Grain Bars, Fiber One Softbaked bars) and also contributes to the Natural Organic portfolio with Larabar. We are the main producer of bowl and cup cereal for the Convenience & Food Service (C&F) segment and are adding Fruit production to the plant in the Fall of 2021. The plant has a continuous run schedule with most systems operating at 85% utilization rate – the coordination between sanitation, operations, and maintenance activities is critical. The majority of the plant is on a 4-crew work system, with 4 different schedules between departments. The FSQ Manager will own functional responsibilities but will also be called upon to help lead various activities in support of Zero Loss Culture and continuous improvement efforts – beyond the FSQ Pillar. THIS ROLE IS ELIGIBLE FOR RELOCATION SUPPORT Come join the Belvidere team, a critical manufacturing site for NAR and C&F, practice engaging leader behaviors daily, and be part of an amazing team that works daily to Make Food the World Loves and Needs. Key Accountabilities Lead all aspects of Quality, Food Safety, Regulatory, and Sanitation with the facility Accountabilities Lead all aspects of Quality, Food Safety, Regulatory and Sanitation within the facility. Provide organizational and personal leadership for the plant and the FSQ organization, to deliver against its core mission and key measurables. Lead development of the FSQ team and plant employees Provide leadership in making quality & regulatory decisions that balance business needs, while ensuring consumer safety and compliance with regulatory requirements. Provide timely and appropriate risk assessment. Be the key regulatory contact for the plant with State and Federal regulators. Maintain positive and constructive relationship while ensuring full compliance with regulatory and GMI policies. Provide leadership and have accountability for sanitary performance of plant. Deliver on all core tactical accountabilities of an FSQ Manager: maintain balanced budget, manage lab, address personnel issues, ensure a safe & positive work environment. Provide leadership in food safety and sanitation program management. Provide leadership and technical support in the areas of Quality Management with an emphasis on customer requirements, continuous product quality, and productivity improvement. Initiate product and process improvements through the use of CI tools. Recommend actions for improvement and assure resolution. Provide risk assessment analysis and facilitate decisions for all quality and food safety events. Manage issues with non-conforming product to assure proper control, minimize losses and provide analysis to eliminate future occurrences. Provide training in all areas of Food Safety, Regulatory and Quality. Interface and effectively communicate with peer plants, other functions, and central resources. Provide technical expertise to resolve issues and provide proactive improvements in all areas of business. Contribute as an integral part of the plant leadership team to drive the plant strategy and culture Model the Company’s Behaviors and Values Skills & Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemical, Food Science, or a related field 8+ years of experience required, 10+ highly preferred Expertise on food safety and quality systems for manufacturing, including General Mills’ internal policies and standards and relevant audit schemes. Ability to influence stakeholders. Ability to experiment, assess risks, and make data-based recommendations and decisions. Ability to deliver results through others by managing salaried employees and/or leading cross-functional teams Ability to create and lead strategic initiatives Ability to work collaboratively with diverse, cross-functional teams, with external resources including suppliers, and with HQ partners. Leadership experience in a manufacturing environment or other applicable experience ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION In ITQ, we are relied on to bring expertise and continuity to our business. It takes time to build the type of deep expertise that drives innovation and helps build bold brands. We will all consistently need several cycles of success to truly have an impact and develop key skills and capabilities. As you apply for new roles, it is important for you to know that we expect a minimum of 24 months in role to ensure you are set up to drive impact and results. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. General Mills will not sponsor applicants for a U.S. work visa. International relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.

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