The Food Safety Recall Specialist manages recalls, withdrawals, and slot checks throughout UNFI and coordinates with key staff from Alberts, Tony’s, NorCal, Select Nutrition, and UNFI Canada. The breadth and scope of the event has a bearing on the research conducted, data received, and type and timeliness of the response. As such, this position may be required to provide after-hour support (including weekends) in order to support events / recalls as required.
The Food Safety Recall Specialist manages all aspects of the UNFI Recall/Withdrawal process by ensuring prompt, clear, and effective communications with all DCs, retail customers, buyers, supplier managers, claims, customer care, and suppliers. The Food Safety Recall Specialist tracks costs and ensures proper chargebacks are being made so that UNFI recoups its finances during recall/withdrawal events.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Receives notification of recalls, withdrawals, and slot-checks.
Partners cross-functionally on change and system process improvements to better support systems and customers (internal and external)
Analyzes recall, withdrawal, and slot-check notifications for proper classification per Federal, state, and local regulations.
Analyzes recall, withdrawal, and slot-check notifications for required elements for appropriate execution.
Supports internal leadership and external vendors in determining a recommendation and next steps for what product(s) to recall or withdraw. Based on the information received, retrieve, collate, and interpret relevant information (e.g., varieties/flavors of items being recalled, where affected product is located within UNFI, etc.). This may require additional research across various platforms and databases beyond what is received from vendors or agencies.
Gathers, analyzes, and disseminates information in order to come up with a recommendation for review and approval by leadership. The level(s) of leadership involved may change on the basis of the breadth and magnitude of the recall event. This may include providing recommendations on specific lot code(s)/expiration date(s), size(s), description(s), UPC(s), etc., and from what timeframe (i.e., shipment dates and Pos) in the event vendors do not provide all information in a timely manner.
Formulates email notices to DCs, Customer Care, Sales, and Credits of recalls, withdrawals, and slot-checks.
Ensures legal compliance across UNFI, UNFI Canada, Tony’s Fine Foods, NorCal, Select Nutrition, and Albert’s.
Pulls MRS report from UBS/WBS, exports, and organizes data to report out to key business units pulled within the MRS report.
Navigates Recall InfoLink for recalls, uploads MRS report, populates fields, identifies and fixes errors, analyzes notifications for retail customer acknowledgement, and communicates appropriate message to retail customers.
Receives disposition information from supplier.
Consults internal and external customers on recall and withdrawal processes.
Identifies suppliers impacting business.
Trends supplier recalls, withdrawals, and slot-checks for analysis of continued business.
Decides, in coordination with buyers and Supplier Relationship Manager, whether or not business with suppliers needs to be halted, discontinued, or resumed.
Resolves outstanding matters with internal and external customers.
Communicates spreadsheet with final numbers that can be claimed to Claims Department.
Finalizes recall details on recall summary document.
Manages archives of recalls and withdrawals and responds to informational audit requests received from regulatory agencies and in response to litigation requests.
Interacts with regulatory agencies (e.g., Federal, state, and local) concerning recall assessments/recall terminations.
Tracks Supplier Chargebacks. Provides information to Billings for admin fee to be assessed.
Coordinates maintenance of current recall customer contact list with Customer Care.
Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement with recalls and withdrawals.
Develops and maintains sound recall and withdrawal SOPs.
Implements legal compliance measures reflective of continuous Federal, state, and local regulation development.
Manages supplier and retailer relationships, as well as internal relationship with Sales, Supplier Managers, Claims, Customer Support, and DCs.
Provide training as needed.
Performs other relevant job duties as required.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education/ Certifications: (Required/Preferred-list requirement is required or preferred)
B.S. Food Safety, Food Science, or other STEM degree preferred
SQF Level 2 or 3 & HACCP certified preferred
Experience:
3-5 years of food manufacturing experience
Recall System Implementation preferred
Knowledge:
Recalls & Withdrawals
Federal, state, and local food/food safety regulations
Skills/ Abilities:
Ability to multi-task and manage multiple items at once and in a timely manner
Must be self-driven and very motivated.
Strong administrative, organizational and relationship skills.
Excellent writing and communication skills are required.
Position also requires strong interpersonal skills, discretion, diplomacy, and judgment.
Ability to interact with multiple levels of associates, both internally and external
Ability to research and synthesize information
Strong teamwork ethic, positive proactive flexible attitude ability to take complete ownership of responsibilities.
Ability to work under pressure and time constraints as well as handle a number of tasks simultaneously required.
Advanced skillset in Microsoft Office including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access and related software applications
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:
Some travel may be required
Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment
Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the course of normal workday
Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in completion of job duties
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
