Job Description:

Technical Food and Safety Manager – US Operations

Chicago, IL

Newark, NJ

Las Vegas, NV

Hybrid

Hotel Chocolat has built a strong position as the UK’s favorite premium chocolate brand

Responsible for all aspects of food safety across the Hotel Chocolat Café and Retail estate, as well as Hotel Chocolat’s in-country supply operations. The Technical Food and Safety Manager – US Operations promotes and embeds a strong food safety culture by partnering with our US retail management teams, local suppliers, UK central functions, and relevant regulators.

The Technical Food and Safety Manager – US Operations will be adaptable and a recognized leader, able to influence senior stakeholders and deliver clear, concise guidance across all retail and café teams. As the organization's subject matter expert, the role supports the development and delivery of food safety training, and takes ownership for food safety auditing, regulatory compliance, and interactions with authorities as required.

​What are we looking for?

• Bachelors degree preferred or equivalent experience

• 3+ years previous experience in a food safety–focused role within retail, café, food service, or manufacturing environments.

• Strong and demonstrable knowledge of US food safety regulations, including FDA Food Code, FSMA requirements, state and local health department standards, and best practice for retail/café operations.

• Experience implementing new food safety policies and procedures, including delivering training, coaching, and capability building for operational teams.

• Food Safety Level 4 (or equivalent advanced food safety qualification).

• ANSI-accredited Food Protection Manager Certification (or willingness to obtain upon appointment).

• Lead auditor / internal auditor training with experience conducting multi-site audits.

• Ability to challenge and advise the business confidently on café food safety matters, influencing decisions at both operational and senior leadership levels.

• Strong decision-making skills, with the ability to respond quickly and effectively to food safety or quality issues.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of simplifying complex technical requirements for diverse audiences.

• Strong understanding of the commercial impact of food safety and operational decision-making.

• Willingness to travel approximately 50-60% across the US to support stores, suppliers, and operational teams

Nice to have

• Degree in Food Science or related discipline.

• HACCP Level 3 or 4 certification, with experience developing and reviewing HACCP plans for retail or food service operations.

• PCQI qualification (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) or experience working within FSMA Preventive Controls frameworks.

• Experience in product development or food service innovation, particularly for ready-to-eat foods or direct café operations.

• Experience managing third-party suppliers and conducting risk-based supplier approvals.

• Knowledge of allergen management programmes and validation processes within confectionery or high-risk retail environments.

What would be your key responsibilities?

Food Safety Governance, Policies & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain all food safety policies, procedures, and materials for Hotel Chocolat Retail, Café, and food service operations.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant US federal, state, and local regulations, including FDA Food Code, FSMA requirements, and local health department standards.

• Conduct scheduled reviews of food safety policies to ensure ongoing legal compliance and alignment with global technical standards.

Food Quality & Safety Improvement

• Lead food safety and quality improvement initiatives aligned with world-class standards and Hotel Chocolat’s technical strategy.

• Identify risks across operations and implement preventive and corrective actions to strengthen food safety culture and performance.

Traceability, Recall & Incident Management

• Develop and own the US traceability programme, ensuring alignment with UK central Technical and compliance with FSMA Section 204(d) where applicable.

• Maintain readiness for product withdrawals or recalls and coordinate actions across US operations when required.

• Support all incident management activities, conduct root cause analyses, oversee CAPA implementation, and ensure timely communication between the US Café business and UK Technical.

Regulatory and External Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with relevant regulatory agencies and enforcement officers.

• Manage responses to local health inspections, oversee corrective action processes, and analyse trends to prevent recurrence.

• Stay current on regulatory updates and communicate implications to the business.

Training & Capability Building

• Develop and deliver food safety training and coaching for retail and café teams, ensuring compliance with state-specific Food Handler and Food Protection Manager requirements.

• Conduct annual competency assessments and support leadership teams in embedding a strong food safety culture.

Food Safety Auditing & Supplier Assurance

• Implement and manage a comprehensive audit programme across the US Retail and Café estate, all third-party suppliers, and the local supply network.

• Conduct risk-based supplier assessments, ensuring appropriate due diligence and adherence to procurement and food safety standards.

• Verify corrective actions and track performance over time.

Performance Management, Reporting & Insights

• Analyse US food safety metrics, inspection data, audit scores, and complaint trends to drive insights and identify areas for continuous improvement.

• Report performance and emerging risks to the Head of Technical, supporting transparent and data-driven decision making.

Pest Management Oversight

• Advise on and strengthen pest management programmes across US operations, managing external contractors and supporting swift resolution of issues.

Operational Food Safety Support

• Support Retail Managers and Store teams with practical guidance on food safety best practice and day-to-day compliance.

• Act as the principal contact for all café food safety queries and complaints, ensuring they are tracked, investigated, and resolved promptly.

• Monitor and report on temperature control and environmental conditions across US operations and ensure the effectiveness of extreme weather protocols.

New Products, Equipment & Store Development

• Support the safe introduction of new products, equipment, and processes, ensuring all food safety validations (e.g., allergen assessments, HACCP verification) are completed.

• Advise on food safety requirements for new store openings or operational changes.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Support

• Serve as the US subject matter expert for all Café and retail food safety considerations, sharing expertise and best practices with wider business leadership.

What can you expect from Hotel Chocolat?

• We offer a range extending from luxury giftable chocolates to alcohol and our pioneering drinking chocolate system; the Velvetiser™. Our mission is to make people and nature happy through chocolate. Customers, colleagues, cacao farmers and suppliers can all benefit from the success we make together.

• A competitive salary and Incentives based on performance

• 50% unlimited staff discount to treat yourself and your friends and family

• 70% discount off a stay in our Hotel in St Lucia

• We recognize that our employees may wish to balance their work and family/home life and therefore we are open to discussions around flexible working

• A chance to work in an exciting, innovative and expanding company

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

USD $$93,531-$126,500

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role.

This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.