Food For Education Hiring (May 2025): Open Jobs/Online Application

About the Role

The Senior Manager, Food Safety and Quality Assurance is responsible for overseeing all food safety protocols, quality assurance processes, and lab operations within both centralized and decentralized operations. This role involves developing and implementing comprehensive safety systems, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal standards. The role requires a proactive leader who can work closely with cross-functional teams to safeguard food safety and quality across our expanding network.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategy

• Develop and drive the Food Safety and Quality Assurance strategy for centralized and decentralized operations, aligned with organizational objectives.
• Build and lead a high-performing team, providing training and mentorship to ensure consistent food safety and quality across all levels.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to set and meet performance goals related to food safety, quality assurance, compliance, and lab efficiency.

Quality Assurance

• Establish and monitor quality control standards for raw materials, production processes, and final products, ensuring consistency and adherence to organizational standards.
• Lead regular audits and inspections across all facilities, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Develop metrics and reporting frameworks to monitor product quality, safety incidents, and resolution timelines.

Food Safety Protocols

• Design, implement, and maintain food safety programs such as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP.
• Oversee and continuously improve sanitation practices and contamination prevention in all operational environments.
• Lead incident response for any food safety emergencies, including conducting root cause analyses and preventive action plans.

Certification Management

• Drive and oversee the certification process for relevant standards, including ISO, HACCP, and other regulatory or industry-specific certifications.
• Ensure compliance with all certification requirements through regular internal audits, documentation updates, and best practices.
• Collaborate with external auditors and regulatory bodies during certification inspections, providing all necessary documentation and follow-up actions.
• Train and guide the team on certification standards, embedding certification requirements into day-to-day operations to maintain continuous compliance.

Lab Operations Management

• Oversee lab testing and analysis processes for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Develop and implement lab protocols, equipment maintenance schedules, and quality control checks to ensure reliable, efficient lab operations.
• Maintain accurate records of lab results, and work with other departments to address any discrepancies or quality concerns highlighted through lab testing.
• Manage lab staff, ensuring they are trained on procedures, safety, and best practices in food testing and quality analysis.
• Collaborate with procurement and operations to ensure lab supplies and equipment are available and functional, minimizing downtime.

Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure compliance with all local, national, and international food safety regulations and standards relevant to both centralized and decentralized operations.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for all quality assurance protocols, lab operations, audit findings, and corrective actions taken.
• Stay current with food safety and lab operation regulations, incorporating best practices into Food For Education’s processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Product Development, and Lab teams to establish a unified approach to quality and safety across all departments.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for food safety, lab operations, and quality, advising on best practices and supporting other teams in decision-making.
• Partner with the Communications team to prepare food safety and quality reports for stakeholders and regulatory bodies as required.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in food safety, lab operations, and quality standards.
• Implement a continuous improvement culture within the Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and Lab teams, encouraging knowledge sharing and adopting industry-leading practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Public Health, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., HACCP ,FSSC, ISO) are highly desirable.
• 7+ years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or lab operations, with at least 3 years in a managerial capacity.
• Demonstrated experience in both centralized and decentralized food production environments.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations, HACCP principles, lab testing protocols, and quality control methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communicator with strong organizational and documentation abilities.

About the role

The Chief of Staff to the COO will serve as a strategic partner and right-hand to the Chief Operating Officer, ensuring the seamless execution of operational priorities and strategic initiatives. This role requires a combination of operational expertise, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication skills. The Chief of Staff will act as a force multiplier for the COO, driving cross-functional collaboration, managing key projects, and ensuring alignment across the organization. This role is ideal for someone who aspires to become a COO or seeks hands-on experience in high-level operational and strategic decision-making within a fast-growing organization. The role is about driving impact, not managing calendars.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Support

• Partner with the COO to develop, execute, and prioritize operational strategies that align with the organization’s strategic goals and the departments within Operations (expansion, business operations, business intelligence, technical operations, utilization, technology).
• Provide data-driven insights, analysis, and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Monitor progress toward operational objectives and ensure accountability across teams.

Operational Excellence

• Streamline processes and improve efficiency across the Operations department and sub-functions, including better ways of working and communications methods and flows.
• Oversee the execution of high-priority projects and initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Manage key meetings, including agenda preparation and presentations, follow-up, and action item tracking.
• Drive results on key initiatives and projects on behalf of the COO through the internal consulting unit, acting as a right hand and proxy for the COO.

Communication and Collaboration

• Serve as a liaison between the COO and all other departments, ensuring clear, timely, and consistent communication.
• Draft and review internal and external communications on behalf of the COO.
• Prepare COO for external events, including talking points and deck preparation, in collaboration with external communications partners, the Communications team, and the Development team.

Crisis Management and Problem-Solving

• Anticipate potential challenges and proactively address them.
• Support the COO in navigating high-pressure situations and crises.
• Act as a sounding board for the COO, offering solutions and alternative perspectives.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including members of F4E’s SLT and key managers in the Operations and other functions.
• Represent the COO in meetings and events as needed.
• Support the COO in managing relationships with board members, partners, and key stakeholders.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership, consulting, or operations role, preferably in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record of managing complex projects and driving organizational change.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Excellent presentation, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build trust at all levels.
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office, project management software, data analysis tools.
• Highly adaptable and able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented.
• Strong sense of integrity and commitment to the organization’s mission and values.

About the Role

The Manager/Senior Manager, HR Operations leads the HR Operations Pillar within the People Team at F4E. This role is responsible for ensuring efficient delivery of HR shared services to the organisation and is an integral member of the People team leadership. This position holder will play a critical role in developing and implementing the Reward and Benefits strategy, managing the day-to-day operations of the pillar, overseeing contracting, payroll, compliance with labour laws, HR administration, records management and HRIS management.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

HR Team Leadership

• Oversee the functions of the HR Operations pillar, providing guidance and mentorship to the team
• Champion the growth and development of People team members, specifically the role holder’s direct reports
• Responsible for setting objectives for the pillar, monitoring progress and ensuring timely achievement
• Develop the Reward & Benefits Strategy with input from the People team leadership and other organisational stakeholders
• With the guidance of the Chief People Officer (CPO), lead the implementation of the Reward & Benefits strategy
• Contribute to the wider People team strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational goals

Payroll Management

• Responsible for overseeing the management of all F4E payrolls, both internal and outsourced
• Ensure all payrolls are processed in an accurate and timely manner
• Verify all payroll inputs provided by the HR Operations team and third party outsourcing partners before submitting to the CPO for final approval
• Put in place maker-checker systems aimed at enhancing payroll accuracy
• Lead in troubleshooting payroll issues with third party outsourcing partners while ensuring payments are made in compliance with the contractual agreements
• Approval of final dues and ensuring payment to affected staff members
• Document payroll processes and ensure adherence to the same
• Develop, communicate and implement payroll SOPs aimed at enhancing process efficiencies

Reward and Benefits Management

• Periodically conduct salary benchmarking to inform the review of salary bands
• Continuously scan organisational salaries across various job grades and salary bands with an equity lens and where necessary, recommend adjustments to ensure fairness
• Collaboratively develop policies on reward and benefits
• Continuously review F4E benefits alongside peer organisations to determine the strength of our EVP and develop proposals for new benefits
• Standardise the application of benefits ensuring all employees receive the benefits they are entitled to and that F4E benefits offering is equitable
• Maintain relationships with benefits service providers, periodically review their performance and negotiate cost effective improvements at the contract renewal stage

Compliance and Contracting

• Ensure compliance with all employment laws and regulations
• Oversee the preparation of all F4E employment contracts, ensuring correct data is captured and verified against employee documentation
• Custodian of all employment contracts and employee records for F4E staff and consultants
• Custodian of F4E outsourcing agreements and holding outsourcing partners to account on compliance pertaining to staff seconded to F4E
• Oversee occupational Safety and Health (OSH) across all F4E locations and ensure compliance with labor laws.
• Responsible for ensuring timely tracking of contract renewals with the aim of ensuring F4E employees are always within contract
• Manage HR audits and mitigate risks related to employment practices

HR Administration & Records Management

• Ensures all letters relating to internal employee movements and changes are accurately prepared and issued in a timely manner
• Works together with the Talent Acquisition and HRBP pillars to uphold a positive employee experience from onboarding to separation; providing support on employee onboarding, preparation of final dues, acceptance of resignation letters, etc
• Ensure timely tracking of employee probation periods and engaging the HRBPs on confirmation of employment of those in their respective teams
• Ensure HR processes and procedures are documented and are efficient, compliant, and aligned with best practices
• Ensures accurate records of all employees are maintained and controls access to the records in accordance with the applicable legislation including the Data Protection Act.

HRIS Management

• Co-lead the selection process of a HRIS that is best suited for F4E
• Co-lead the deployment and implementation of the HRIS, including running a pilot to ensure all potential issues are resolved ahead of full scale implementation
• Responsible for sensitizing employees and ensuring 100% adoption of the HRIS for maintenance of employee data, leave management, etc

Global Mobility

• Responsible for ensuring all F4E employees have the right to work in their respective locations, ensuring adherence with immigration laws and regulations
• Ensures that work permits are processed and renewed in a timely manner and proper records of understudies are maintained
• Custodian of the Employee relocation and transfer policy, ensuring it is regularly reviewed and updated to maintain relevance
• Works together with the HRBP and Talent acquisition leads, to facilitate a smooth employee transfer and relocation experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from a reputable university
• Over 10 years experience in HR with 7 in a management position
• Holder of a valid IHRM practicing certificate
• Experience working with a large workforce and partnering with staff outsourcing providers or unions
• Experience managing complex and multi currency payrolls
• Familiarity working with HR Information Systems
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
• Expert knowledge of local labour laws and regulations
• Excellent ability to communicate both verbally and written
• Strategic mindset, logical thinker with high attention to detail
• Demonstrates a commitment to achieving goals in a collaborative manner