What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Food Safety position at Coblentz Chocolate Company?
Full Job Description
About:
Coblentz Family Brands is a leading manufacturer of chocolates and confections based in Northeast Ohio, with distribution nationwide. Family-owned and operated since 1987, we are committed to producing high-quality, safe, and delicious products. We are currently seeking a full-time Food Safety Director to lead our Food Safety and Quality programs.
Position Overview:
The Food Safety Director will be responsible for overseeing and executing all food safety and quality-related programs, ensuring our products meet all internal, customer, and regulatory standards. This role requires a strong leader with excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset. The Director will have the full support of the management team to implement and improve the company’s food safety systems as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and maintain facility food safety and quality programs, including FSMA, SQF, GMPs, allergen control, pest control, sanitation, and food defense.
- Lead internal and external audits and ensure compliance with all food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
- Update and maintain the FSMA plan, Food Safety Standards, Food Defense assessments, Master Sanitation Schedule, and environmental testing programs.
- Investigate consumer complaints and ingredient-related issues, and identify corrective actions.
- Communicate with vendors regarding quality concerns and required documentation.
- Conduct and review raw material audits; monitor supplier performance and compliance.
- Prevent the entry of contaminated or non-compliant materials into the production process.
- Oversee lab testing and evaluation of raw materials, in-process batches, and finished products.
- Serve as the primary liaison for technical and food safety matters across departments and with external customers.
- Conduct and document GMP and sanitation audits throughout the facility.
- Train, coach, and mentor plant personnel on SQF and Food Defense program compliance.
- Participate in leadership meetings to review and refine the food safety strategy.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement and regulatory awareness across the organization.
Qualifications:
- Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related scientific field
- Preferred: 2–3 years of experience in food safety or quality management in a food manufacturing environment
- Preferred: Certifications in HACCP, PCQI, Food Defense, BRC, or SQF
- Strong decision-making, communication, and leadership skills
- Ability to interpret and apply food safety regulations and data analysis
- Experience presenting information to internal teams, external customers, and regulatory representatives
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: Commensurate with experience
Benefits:
- Simple IRA with Company Match
- Health Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Profit Sharing
- Employee Discount
- Incentive Bonus
Schedule:
- Monday–Friday
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Walnut Creek, OH 44687 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Walnut Creek, OH 44687: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $50,000 - $60,000