Job Description

This role is responsible for delivering services to Retailers through communication, support, and training, with a focus on improving Fresh service departments and food safety. It also includes supplying information and requirements on new Food Safety legislation. The Food Safety Specialist will support retailers to maintain and improve compliance with Regulation R638 and the company's risk-based food safety requirements.
Job description
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:
Formulate strategy, train management and staff to deliver peak performance on food safety in terms of:

• Identifying easy ways to assist Retailers in improving food safety scores
• Assist Retailers in compiling food safety documentation in preparation for audits
• Provide ongoing guidance to independent retailers on compliance with Regulation R638, including hygiene requirements for food premises, storage, display, temperature control, waste handling, and staff hygiene.
• Assist stores to implement and improve food safety management practices, SOPs, cleaning schedules, pest-control checks, temperature-monitoring routines, and hygiene standards.Risk Based Audits and Self Audits
• Store Food Safety performance
• Offer coaching to store managers and staff on food-handling best practices, personal hygiene, allergen control, cross-contamination prevention, and legal requirements.

Implement and train management and staff to ensure store compliance with:

• Legislation and policies
• Assure-Cloud Systems and procedures
• Managing of the Invoicing of Assure-Cloud and charging of stores to Finance
• Risk-based and food safety audit targets
• Review third-party audit reports with each retailer after every audit cycle.
• Help stores understand audit non-conformances and develop realistic corrective-action plans.
• Track progress of corrective actions and provide support to ensure timely closure.
• Maintain documentation and records relating to store compliance, CAPA progress, training, and risk-based improvements.

Effective communication and reporting with store and DC staff:

• ROMS training and supporto
• Retail support and training on Selve Audits
• Reporting of Audit results to ROMS, Senior ROMS and ROD
• Preparation of slides on Food Safety Results for Regional Committee Meetings
• Compile summary reports at the end of each audit cycle for senior management, including:
• Compliance levels per store
• Trends across multiple audit cycles
• High-risk areas requiring focus
• Common non-conformances
• Successes, improvements, and risk

Minimum requirements
SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

• Matric or equivalent qualification
• Diploma or Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Environmental Health, Microbiology, or a related field.
• 1-3 years' experience in food safety, retail food operations, hygiene support, or quality assurance.
• Strong knowledge of South African food-safety legislation - especially Regulation R638.
• Understanding of risk-based food safety principles, HACCP basics, and typical retail food-safety hazards.
• Experience supporting store teams, training staff, or troubleshooting food-safety / hygiene issues.
• A Valid Driver's License - must be willing to travel and spend time away from home
• Able to work independently
• Build strategic working relationships
• Good communication skills
• Effective decision-making skills
• Good presentation skills
• Deadline-oriented

Skills Required