Mars

Technical Food and Safety Manager – US Operations

Mars

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Chicago • Nevada • New Jersey • United States

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Salary

💰 $93,531 - $126,500 per year

About the role

  • 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.
  • Promotes and embeds a strong food safety culture by partnering with US retail management teams, local suppliers, UK central functions, and relevant regulators.
  • Takes ownership for food safety auditing, regulatory compliance, and interactions with authorities as required.
  • 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.
  • Identify risks across operations and implement preventive and corrective actions to strengthen food safety culture and performance.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Implement and manage a comprehensive audit programme across the US Retail and Café estate, all third-party suppliers, and the local supply network.

Requirements

  • Bachelors degree preferred or equivalent experience
  • 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.
  • 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.
Benefits
  • 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
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Medical and dental benefits
  • Participation in 401k plan
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
food safety auditingregulatory compliancefood safety policiesfood safety procedurestraceability programmeincident managementroot cause analysisCAPA implementationaudit programme managementfood safety training
Soft Skills
strong decision-making skillsexcellent written communicationexcellent verbal communicationrelationship buildingcoachingcapability buildingrisk identificationpreventive actionscorrective actionssimplifying complex requirements
Certifications
Food Safety Level 4ANSI-accredited Food Protection Manager Certificationlead auditor traininginternal auditor training