Branch Manager

Company Overview:

Working at Whole Foods Market goes beyond daily tasks; it involves self-development and initiating significant transformations. The company's mission is to support individuals and the environment, aiming to enhance dietary practices, finance educational programs like school gardens, offer fresh and nutritious food to those in food-insecure areas, reduce poverty in emerging nations, and engage in various other impactful initiatives. Collaborating with us equips you to contribute meaningfully locally and globally. More than a grocery store, we aspire to be agents of positive change on a global scale. By joining forces with us, you play a pivotal role in upholding exceptional standards and redefining the grocery sector.

Role and Responsibilities:

The FSQA Associate Team Leader (ATL) assists the FSQA Team Leader in overseeing the FSQA team and maintaining quality controls at the food production facility, which includes upholding sanitation and safety measures.
• Collaborate with the FSQA Team Leader to oversee the daily functions of the FSQA team, delegating responsibilities, delivering instructions, and upholding compliance levels.
• Help in overseeing quality assurance initiatives and protocols to uphold the consistency and excellence of products.
• Implement quality criteria for inputs, intermediate substances, and final goods.
• Supervise environmental surveillance and swabbing initiatives in accordance with GMP, HACCP, and FSMA regulations.
• Regularly review and revise Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) and provide training to team members across different responsibilities.
• Support leaders in overseeing the Pest Control Program.
• Guarantee adherence to health, sanitation, and safety protocols.
• Maintain thorough records of quality control and food safety procedures through regular audits.
• Assist in handling crises, such as recalls and incidents of contamination.
• Support in conducting interviews, choosing, coaching, and advising team members to develop an efficient team.
• Work together with managers and HR personnel to address team dynamics, inquiries, and disciplinary measures.
• Follow all regulations set forth by OSHA, USDA, HACCP, FSMA, ADA, FDA, and Weights and Measures to meet compliance standards.
• Offer guidance and assistance for internal and external quality concerns, including inspections conducted by the USDA and FDA.
• Follow Whole Foods Market, USDA, and HACCP guidelines, maintaining strong collaboration with USDA officials.
• Encourage a constructive work atmosphere that thrives on collaboration and mutual respect.

Required Skills and Experience:
• BA/BS degree in food science, microbiology, food technology, or a related area, or equivalent combination of education and FSQA experience in the food production sector.
• Over 1.5 years of quality assurance experience in a food production facility and 0.5 years of managerial QA experience.
• Understanding of food safety regulations at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Proficiency in executing and overseeing programs for food safety and quality control.
• Proficiency in overseeing audits and inspections for regulatory adherence.
• Ability to analyze data from quality assessments, audits, and evaluations.
• Attention to detail and capability to identify potential hazards.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint with intermediate computer skills.
• Basic understanding of enterprise resource planning (ERP) operations in food production.
• Effective communication skills, self-motivation, and ability to work independently.
• Availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, clients, vendors, and authorities.
• Commitment to supporting both individuals and the environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Certification as a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI).
• HACCP certification.

Compensation and Benefits:
• The hourly pay scale ranges from $27.00 to $45.50, depending on experience.
• Complete benefits package, including health insurance coverage, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off, and access to additional welfare initiatives.
• Benefit eligibility is based on the applicable Whole Benefits scheme at the time of employment commencement.

Physical Demands and Job Environment:
• Ability to lift items up to 50 pounds.
• Comply with the organization's attire guidelines and use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Use hands for gripping, precise handling, pushing, and pulling tasks.
• Ability to bend, rotate, crouch, and reach as needed.
• Exposure to FDA-approved cleaning agents.
• Work in temperatures from below freezing to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Operate effectively in wet and dry environments.
• Use ladders when required.

About Whole Foods Market:

Whole Foods Market ensures a diverse and welcoming work environment by offering equal opportunities for all employees. They prioritize fair treatment and job opportunities for everyone, regardless of race, religion, or any protected characteristic. Hiring decisions are based on qualifications and operational requirements.