Food Safety Managers play a critical role in implementing and maintaining food safety and quality management systems. These systems help ensure that companies meet regulatory compliance, customer requirements and maintain food safety system certification standards.

Sometimes food companies may have a combination of multiple standards such as HACCP, ISO 22000, BRCGS, SIZA and GLOBALG.A.P. The management of multiple systems can become complex and technical. This person is responsible for implementing and overseeing food safety protocols, making their role vital for the success of any food-related business.

In this context, we will explore the essential traits, skills, and considerations required to select the best Food Safety Manager for your organisation.

Key Traits of an Effective Food Safety Manager

1. Attention to Detail

Food safety involves strict adherence to customer specifications, regulations and standards. Even minor oversights can lead to significant problems. A Food Safety Manager must be meticulous in identifying potential risks and ensuring that compliance is sufficiently documented, communicated and managed within the food handling systems and processes.

2. Strong Ethical Standards

Integrity and honesty are crucial. A Food Safety Manager should prioritise consumer safety and not succumb to pressures that might compromise quality for the sake of cost or convenience.

3. Leadership and Communication

A good Food Safety Manager must lead by example. They should effectively communicate food safety and quality protocols and inspire adherence among all employees. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for writing reports, interpreting compliance requirements, and conducting training sessions.

4. Good brand ambassadors

Food Safety Managers engage with a variety of stakeholders, including regulatory inspectors, external auditors, and customers, and frequently represent the company at food safety symposiums and conferences. They should maintain a high level of professionalism in both presentation and conduct.

4. Ability to Handle Stress

Research indicates that food safety management is a high-stress position due to the need to make tough decisions and sometimes enforce unpopular rules (Smith, 2019). The manager should be resilient and capable of working under pressure while maintaining focus on consumer health and safety.

5. Independence and Strong Principles

It is essential for a Food Safety Manager to have direct communication with senior management to avoid conflicts of interest. They should not report to a production manager, as this could compromise food safety for the sake of commercial gain. The Food Safety Manager must possess a strong will and the ability to firmly uphold safety standards, resisting any pressure from other departments.

Essential Skills and Competencies

1. Regulatory Knowledge

Having a strong understanding of food safety laws and standards is essential. The manager should be proficient in reading and interpreting legislation and standards, as well as in developing company policies. They may often need to research technical information related to products and processes.

2. Analytical and Reporting Skills

The ability to compile detailed reports, summarize key data, and offer actionable recommendations to top management is essential. Proficiency in software applications such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel is necessary. Additionally, being comfortable with new technologies, such as digital management systems like EO, may become crucial if the company establishes this as a key objective.

3. Meeting Management

A Food Safety Manager should confidently lead and facilitate meetings, including monthly food safety and management review meetings. It is essential to ensure that all participants are informed and engaged, and that the meetings are structured to cover key elements. This approach helps to keep top management well informed about the performance of the company’s food safety and quality management systems, ensuring compliance with customer demands, regulatory requirements, and relevant food safety standards.

4. Organisational Skills

Being organised and valuing structure and routine are essential traits for effectively managing the various aspects and numerous tasks that team members must perform to ensure the ongoing implementation and maintenance of food safety and quality protocols.

Finding the Perfect Fit

1. Detailed Job Description

Develop a comprehensive job description that highlights the key tasks, performance indicators, and personality traits necessary for the role. This should be provided to recruitment agencies for their evaluation during the initial recruitment stage.

2. Assessment of Fit

In addition to evaluating technical skills and food safety qualifications, consider conducting personality assessments to ensure candidates align with your business’s ethical standards and values. It’s also important to assess their computer literacy, as digital proficiency is becoming increasingly essential.

3. Evaluating Personality and Ethics

Ensure candidates possess strong ethics and traits like independence and resilience to meet job challenges.

Conclusion

Choosing a Food Safety Manager is a critical decision that requires careful thought. This individual must collaborate effectively with staff at all levels and demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills. Top management should recognise their importance, as supported Food Safety Managers are more productive. Investing in their training enhances skills and boosts the food safety management system’s effectiveness, leading to improved compliance, better risk management, and protection of consumer health, all contributing to the business’s success.

References Smith, J. (2019). The Stress Factors in Food Safety Management: An Analytical Study. Journal of Food Safety Management.