GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Senior FSQA Innovation Specialist will help implement and maintain a world-class technical and process innovation program. This position is primarily responsible for ensuring processes provide an appropriate level of protection from foodborne pathogens and associated risks. This position will require the ability to use critical thinking to enhance existing systems and processes to eliminate the potential for food safety issues using data and advanced analytics. This position has responsibility for assisting with evaluating and leveraging new technologies or innovative new FSQA solutions and processes through research and data analytics. This position will support key business partners including FSQA, operations (Ag and VA), innovation, and research and development teams.

 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS/DUTIES OF THE POSITION:

• Evaluate new technologies and food safety solutions through implementation of scientific studies designed to present the business with actionable information around feasibility of use in applications from farms to processing facilities. • Interpret and translate scientific data into a written report to the business summarizing evaluation of technologies and processes and when applicable, providing actional recommendations for implementation including timelines and resource needs. • Provide scientific expertise and support for implementation of new technologies and processes throughout Dole operations. • Work with business partners to identify operational challenges which can be eliminated or improved through the application of process or technical innovation to build a road map to help drive continuous improvement. • Develop programs, training materials, metrics and KPIs to implement technologies or processes including appropriate assessment criteria, data collection and analysis, and development of actionable information and reporting. • Support FSQA Supply Chain and Operations teams in developing appropriate analysis and trending tools for data to provide the business with actionable guidance on KPIs related to food safety and quality to enhance compliance. • Engage with industry partners and organizations on new technology and research applications for the produce industry. • Effectively review, synthesize, communicate scientific, regulatory, and technical information to both technical and non-technical personnel through written and oral communication. • Process large volumes of data or information and communicate recommendations for further improvement to mitigate FSQA risks. • Actively build and maintain relationships with key business partners such as applicable Procurement, Innovation, R&D, Marketing, Operations, Logistics, Sales and Legal teams as needed to execute responsibilities for this role. • Travel as needed to support the business, scientific studies and industry involvement. • Other duties as assigned.