Sr. Food Safety & Quality Specialist – Fresh Kitchens

Leads the development and oversight of Kroger’s corporate food safety and quality systems. Guides manufacturing facilities in implementing and validating food safety plans, ensures SQF certification, and drives resolution of systemic product quality issues. Oversees supplier compliance, monitors regulatory changes, and leads cross-functional initiatives to improve food safety performance. Supervises and coaches direct reports while contributing to strategic planning and continuous improvement across the network. Demonstrates the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Lead the development and strategic oversight of corporate food safety policies, procedures, and training programs
Guide manufacturing facilities in designing, improving and validating food safety and quality plans across all manufacturing processes
Direct efforts to implement and sustain SQF certification, ensuring alignment with Kroger’s standards and regulatory requirements
Evaluate and validate changes to food safety plans that impact product safety and quality across the network
Stay current with regulatory developments and proactively adapt corporate strategies to maintain compliance
Analyze customer feedback trends and lead cross-functional initiatives to resolve systemic product quality issues
Drive continuous improvement using advanced Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, including SPC and root cause analysis
Lead strategic planning efforts to enhance quality programs and influence future initiatives
Provide independent coaching and direction to plan operations on quality systems and issue resolution
Oversee corrective action processes to ensure sustainable solutions and prevent reoccurrence
Monitor and support supplier food safety compliance of Kroger corporate brand suppliers
Supervise and coach direct reports in the completion of their duties
Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Minimum
Bachelor’s degree in food science, dairy science, bakery science, food microbiology or related field
6+ years of progressive food manufacturing, food safety and quality experience
HACCP certification
SQF and/or GFSI implementation experience
FDA Preventive Controls Training (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual
Demonstrated knowledge and implementation of regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA, PMO)
Proven application of regulatory requirements and guidance into plant policies
Involvement in food safety, quality and/or regulatory focused professional organizations
Strong facilitation and training skills
Advanced Microsoft Office skills
Strong critical thinking skills and attention to detail
Demonstrated excellence in project planning, problem solving and execution
Proven leadership skills: coaching and developing leaders and associates
Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with frontline employees, peers and executives
Ability to drive positive change in processes, systems and culture
Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and Lean/Six Sigma
Proficient with product lifecycle management systems, quality systems such as InfinityQS and SharePoint

Desired
8+ years of progressive experience in food safety and quality assurance
Specialized knowledge/experience in food safety programs such as pest management, sanitation, GMPs, policy writing, chemical hazards
Varied knowledge of multiple food categories, including dairy, bakery, etc.
Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher
Lead Auditor certification and/or experience

From one tiny Cincinnati grocery store more than a century ago, we’ve grown into what today is the nation’s largest grocer with nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states operating under 28 different names. As America’s grocer, we take pride in bringing diverse teams with a passion for food and people together with one common purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. With a history of innovation, we work tirelessly to create amazing experiences for our customers, communities AND each other, with food at the heart of it all.

Here, people matter. That’s why we strive to provide the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for success at work and in life. We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you’re caring, purpose-driven and hungry to learn, your potential is unlimited.

Whether you’re seeking a part-time position or a new career path, we’ve got a fresh opportunity for you. Apply today to become part of our Kroger family!

What you’ll receive from us:

The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well-Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:

A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.

Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.

Emotional and financial support with free counseling through our Employee Assistance Program and free, confidential financial tools and coaching with Goldman Sachs Ayco.

Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.

Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career, through our industry-leading Continuing Education program.

Vast potential for growth, through an abundance of industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways.

For more information about benefits and eligibility, please visit our Benefits Page !