Director of Produce Food Safety Services (PFSS)

Position Summary

The Director of Produce Food Safety Services (PFSS) provides leadership, management, and vision for GFVGA’s food safety consulting program. The Director will oversee day-to-day operations, deliver consulting and training services to growers, recruit and train new consultants, and drive business development to expand PFSS’s reach and revenue. The Director works closely with the GFVGA Food Safety Director to align services with policy and member education priorities, serving as a liaison to ensure consistent communication between policy leadership and service implementation.

This is a revenue-producing leadership position responsible for both direct service delivery and program growth — building a personal client book that will evolve into a scalable consulting team as PFSS expands.

This position bridges technical expertise and entrepreneurial strategy — ensuring growers receive high-quality, trusted food safety support while building scalable systems that position PFSS as the premier regional provider of produce food safety services.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as the primary leader and day-to-day manager of PFSS, aligning program activities with GFVGA’s strategic goals and ASG’s operational standards.
• Develop and execute annual business and marketing plans for PFSS, including budget, service delivery goals, and growth strategies.
• Oversee and coordinate independent consultants, contractors, and support staff; establish clear performance expectations, workflows, and reporting mechanisms.
• Recruit, train, and mentor new consultants and contractors to ensure consistent service quality, technical competency, and alignment with PFSS’s standardized systems and values.
• Provide regular financial and operational updates to GFVGA and ASG leadership, identifying growth opportunities and potential risks.
• Serve as the primary liaison between PFSS and the GFVGA Food Safety Director to ensure alignment between policy, education, and service delivery. Facilitate two-way communication so that PFSS services reflect current policy priorities, regulatory developments, and member needs.

Client Service & Technical Delivery

• Deliver on-farm, remote, or virtual food safety consulting services, including GAP/PrimusGFS audit preparation, FSMA compliance guidance, and related program support.
• Maintain working knowledge of produce safety standards, audit requirements, and best practices.
• Ensure consistency and quality across all PFSS services through SOPs, shared templates, and client-care protocols.
• Support bilingual and underserved grower communities through accessible materials and partnerships.

Business Development & Growth

• Identify and pursue new clients, partnerships, and markets for PFSS services across the Southeast.
• Maintain an active client portfolio to generate revenue and demonstrate best practices in service delivery, with the expectation that this portfolio will expand PFSS’s reach and later be transitioned to additional consultants as capacity grows.
• Design and implement pricing models, service tiers, and scalable offerings (self-service, remote, in-person).
• Represent PFSS at industry meetings, conferences, and outreach events to enhance visibility and client acquisition.
• Develop and maintain relationships with buyers, auditors, regulators, and allied associations to strengthen PFSS’s regional reputation.

Operations & Systems

• Create and maintain standardized intake, onboarding, and tracking systems to support client management and consultant efficiency.
• Manage PFSS branding, marketing, and digital communications in collaboration with GFVGA and ASG communications teams.
• Establish metrics to measure client satisfaction, service delivery efficiency, and revenue growth.
• Ensure all PFSS activities adhere to ASG and GFVGA policies, insurance requirements, and data confidentiality standards.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, food science, horticulture, agribusiness, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ professional experience in produce food safety, compliance, or consulting; experience with GAP, PrimusGFS, SQF, or GLOBALG.A.P. audits strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage programs or small business units, and achieve measurable growth targets.
• Demonstrated success in client relations, sales, or business development within agriculture or related technical service sectors.

Skills & Attributes

• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to build systems and scale operations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; capable of translating complex regulatory topics into practical guidance for growers.
• Highly organized, data-driven, and adaptable to changing demands.
• Proficiency with digital tools (CRM systems, compliance platforms, Microsoft 365, cloud-based collaboration).
• Commitment to integrity, client service, and advancing PFSS’s mission of supporting safe, sustainable produce production.

Performance Metrics / Incentive Indicators

Performance will be evaluated on measurable outcomes such as:

• Client growth and retention (year-over-year)
• Revenue expansion and diversification
• Development and management of a personal client portfolio contributing to program revenue and future consultant onboarding.
• Development and implementation of standardized SOPs and service tiers
• Strength of consultant coordination and reporting systems
• Client satisfaction and partner engagement
• Contribution to GFVGA’s strategic goals and reputation

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Incentive or commission structure tied to business development and revenue growth
• Comprehensive ASG benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off

Work Environment

The Director must be comfortable working in both professional and field settings — from on-farm visits to association meetings — and thrive in a role that balances independent initiative with close collaboration among association, consultant, and grower stakeholders.

Pay: $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in LaGrange, GA 30241

Salary : $60,000