Manager, Global Product Safety

IFF has an exciting Global Product Safety Manager opportunity in South Brunswick, NJ.

Please note that this position requires a well-demonstrated microbiology background. It is hybrid and requires travel to other locations domestically and internationally as needed. The preferred location for this role is South Brunswick, NJ; however, the base office can also be located in New Century, KS, Cedar Rapids, IA, or Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Job Purpose:

The Manager, Global Product Safety is responsible for mitigating enterprise risk associated with the safety of our products, which are prone to microbial, physical, and chemical/allergenic hazards. This role ensures that our 100+ manufacturing sites and external partners (warehouses and distribution hubs) globally comply with established standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory norms. This role suits someone with a demonstrated macrobiology background and a passion for ingredients-focused product safety.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Creation and Implementation (35%)

• Develop global policies related to product safety, preventive controls, and risk mitigation programs.
• Coordinate and facilitate the implementation of product safety, cGMP, hygiene, sanitary design, and sanitation programs.
• Manage environmental pathogen monitoring and testing programs.

Risk Analysis and Auditing (25%)

• Conduct risk analysis of manufacturing facilities, contract manufacturers, warehouses, and distribution centers.
• Perform routine audits for product safety practices and compliance with regulatory norms.
• Oversee vulnerability assessments and develop mitigations for the Product and Food Defense Program.

Training and Development (15%)

• Train and develop site personnel in Quality and Product Safety competencies.
• Design and conduct validation studies of Product Safety programs and implement continuous improvement projects.

Incident Investigation (15%)

• Participate in high-risk product safety investigations to determine root causes and implement preventive measures.

Innovation and Trend Assessment (10%)

• Assess emerging trends and innovative solutions to improve systems, tools, and programs.
• Lead proof-of-concept projects to verify the practical potential and value of innovative solutions.

Working Relationships:

• Internal Contacts:
  • VP Quality: Strategic planning and effectiveness reviews.
  • Director, Global QMS & Product Safety: Daily updates and strategic direction.
  • BU Global and Regional Quality Directors: Support and expertise for product safety systems.
  • Plant-level Quality, Product Safety, and Operational Management: Guidance and training on projects and corrective actions.
• External Contacts:
  • Customers, Suppliers, GRA, Legal, Procurement, Commercial, Vendor & Contract Manufacturing Quality: Alignment and collaboration on critical issues, new customer requirements, and risk profiling.

Decision-Making Authority:

• Independent Decisions:
  • Interrupt production for critical product safety issues.
  • Assess product safety risks and recommend product disposition.
  • Design and approve equipment and sanitary design of manufacturing and QC laboratories.
  • Validate and approve CAPEX for quality and product safety improvements.
• Referred Decisions:
  • Product recalls, hiring, travel, and high-dollar purchases.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, or related field (Master's preferred).
• Experience:
  • 10+ years in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and/or food industry.
  • Demonstrated microbiology background.
  • Experience managing HACCP and preventive controls related to FSMA.
  • Knowledge of API/Product Safety/Food Safety Systems.
  • Experience with government regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA).
• Certifications:
  • HACCP Certification or ability to achieve certification.
  • PCQI Certification or ability to achieve certification.
• Skills:
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent people management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Proficiency in IT systems (Excel, Word, PowerPoint; SAP desirable).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Master's degree in Science or related discipline.
• Experience:
  • Risk assessment, controls, and management.
  • Virtual team management and use of collaboration tools.

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more