Manager - Food Safety Audit, Chicago, IL - United Airlines

There’s never been a more exciting time to join United Airlines. We’re on a path towards becoming the best airline in the history of aviation. Our shared purpose – Connecting People, Uniting the World – is about more than getting people from one place to another. It also means that as a global company that operates in hundreds of locations around the world with millions of customers and tens of thousands of employees, we have a unique responsibility to uplift and provide opportunities in the places where we work, live and fly, and we can only do that with a truly diverse and inclusive workforce. And we’re growing – in the years ahead, we’ll hire tens of thousands of people across every area of the airline. Our careers include a competitive benefits package aimed at keeping you happy, healthy and well-traveled. From employee-run "Business Resource Group" communities to world-class benefits like parental leave, 401k and privileges like space available travel, United is truly a one-of-a-kind place to work. Are you ready to travel the world?

Why Inflight Services?

Our customers choose United because of our dedication to safety and passion for service. United's Inflight Services team is made up of diverse, driven individuals working together to Connect People and Unite the World. From operational leadership and crew planning to safety and service procedures, our Inflight Services team provides the innovative approaches, tools, training and guidance needed for our flight attendants to deliver the best possible customer experience, and aid in our mission to become the best airline in the history of aviation.

Key Responsibilities:

The Manager Food Safety will lead the United Airlines Food Safety & Quality Assurance program to ensure compliance by suppliers, contract caterers, and hospitality partners to meet applicable US regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA, CBP, IFSA, ITP, and DOD) and international regulations as appropriate based on location. This role supports the Sr. Manager - Food Safety by conducting audits of facilities, supplier approval, and monitoring food safety KPI with a focus on continual improvement.

• Prioritize food safety audits based on risk and lead food safety audits and inspections at supplier, contract caterer and hospitality partner locations for new and existing contracts Issue audit reports and corrective action plans to ensure that all gaps identified are closed out
• Ensure that suppliers, contract caterers and hospitality partners understand & follow food safety programs as defined in United Airlines manuals by providing training as needed
• Drive investigations with a focus on root cause analysis, for all non-conformances and customer complaints
• Drive continual improvement through the implementation of innovative solutions utilizing technology
• Manage the supplier approval program to ensure that food, beverages, and food contact packaging materials are sourced from approved suppliers
• Conduct item risk assessment and approve items that meet United Airlines requirements
• Monitor supplier, contract caterer, and hospitality partner performance against food safety KPI
• Participate in management review meetings and quarterly business review meetings to share performance results and trends with suppliers, contract caterers, and hospitality partners
• Work with cross-functional team members to promote food safety culture through simplified communication of the importance of technical requirements
• Maintain records in food safety software systems i.e., Safety Chain, Quality First, and Share Point ensuring they are accurate and kept current

United values diverse experiences and perspectives. We encourage everyone who meets the minimum qualifications to apply. While having the “desired” qualifications makes for a stronger candidate, we encourage applicants who may not feel they check ALL of those boxes! We are always looking for individuals who will bring something new to the table!

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree
• BS Degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field
• 4-8 years in a Food Safety and Quality Assurance role within fast paced food manufacturing or food services environment
• HACCP Certification
• Seafood HACCP Certification
• PCQI Qualification (* Food safety certifications are needed, however, if all required certifications are not available currently, UA may fund for certifications to be obtained.)
• Knowledge of FDA-Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Interstate Travel Program (ITP), USDA, Department of Defense (DOD) requirements for food production and airline catering facilities
• Knowledge of food microbiology, food safety, food defense, product traceability, sanitation requirements, environmental monitoring, continuous improvement, cold chain and allergen management
• Knowledge of the FDA Food Code
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with personnel, customers, suppliers and other business contacts
• Ability to review and interpret technical documentation
• Attention to details
• Strategic/Big Picture Thinking
• Strong interpersonal skills to influence and change food safety culture
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
• Ability to travel up to 50%

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

• Previous experience with FSSC or other GFSI scheme, FSPCA, and FDA/USDA audits
• Experience with international regulations
• CFS Certification
• Lead Auditor Certification
• Lean Manufacturing
• ServSafe Manager Certification
• Knowledge of GFSI schemes FSSC
• Knowledge of airline experience and catering operation
• Advanced computer skills with food safety software programs

This hybrid working position is based out of Willis Tower in Chicago, IL.

United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. United Airlines recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, veteran status and other protected status as required by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions. Please contact JobAccommodations@united.com to request accommodation.