Food safety has always been crucial, but with the rise of pathogens and challenges from pests and chemicals, it’s vital for food and beverage manufacturers to have strong food safety leaders. This has led to a strong emphasis on developing the food safety leaders of the future.
Jill Stuber, founder of Catalyst, a coaching and leadership development company for the food industry, and vice chair of the Developing Food Safety Professionals Group of the International Association of Food Protection (IAFP), says that possessing solid technical skills is essential in the food safety space. “We’ve seen people improve their work outcomes and get promoted when they practice and adopt soft skills such as self awareness, creating safe spaces, and leading with curiosity,” she says. “Leaders who empower team members and invest in personal and professional growth are more likely to enhance their career growth prospects, as they will be known for growing competent, dynamic, and innovative teams.”
Takashi Nakamura, PhD, vice president of food safety for Fresh Del Monte, highlights three areas of focus in building any career: attitude, aptitude, and attendance. All are necessary to become a strong food safety leader. “Resiliency is key when it comes to food safety, since the next outbreak or recall is just around the corner,” he adds. “Our days really begin on Friday since testing begins on Monday, so the ability to manage oneself both mentally and physically in a 24–7 environment is that we can never control. This world is that of pathogens, and it’s important to know that we inhabit their world, and not the other way around. There will be more tough days than easy days in our business and function.”
Aptitude should be a top characteristic in a food safety leader, and candidates should build themselves up as subject matter experts. “Establishing credibility and empowering others in this type of job function requires constant vigilance in developing your skill sets and competencies,” Dr. Nakamura says. “Don’t settle for what you have achieved, but rather look for the opportunity to build via a disciplined and rigorous program—regardless of the degrees you have or the training you’ve achieved. The world is constantly evolving and adapting, and as stewards of critical functions in an organization, we as professionals need to do the same.”
He also notes the importance of regular on-site visits that include visiting the floor, walking the fields, and touring the facilities. “This function is not one where you stay behind a desk in an office,” Dr. Nakamura says. “You will need to see, touch, and hear what is going on in your operations. Be present to those other functions and engage. Be engaged in associations, stay in touch with universities and institutes, and establish and expand your network.”
Food safety is a rapidly evolving field, so professionals must stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies to enhance their career growth. Continuous education and training are critical. “Professionals can stay ahead of emerging trends by regularly reading industry publications, research studies, and reports related to food safety issues and events,” says Jorge Hernandez, vice president of quality assurance for the Wendy’s Company, who has over three decades of experience as a food safety leader. “They can also pursue additional training, certifications, attend workshops, webinars, conferences, and/or taking online courses related to food safety. This will help them enhance their knowledge and skills in the field.”
Key Skills
Jennifer McEntire, PhD, founder of Food Safety Strategy and former chief food safety and regulatory officer at the International Fresh Produce Association, shares that future food leaders should possess strong foundational knowledge of food safety hazards and critical thinking skills to determine when these hazards become risks. “Knowing how to do the research to gather this information to make data-driven decisions is critical,” she says. “It’s not just analytical skills though; it’s important to listen and learn from others. Leaders also have a natural curiosity.”
Hernandez says that essential skills for aspiring food safety leaders start with building credibility. “This is a non-negotiable for aspiring leaders,” he adds. “Your credibility is the bedrock of leadership and essential to your success in any organization. You must have a deep knowledge and understanding of food safety science that drives the food safety standards and regulations. It is the foundation on which trust is built, and it is what allows any aspiring food safety leader to influence others to engage on the pursuit of common goals.”
Effective communication is another key skill that helps people advance in the field. “From gaining management support for budgets, programs, or changes to the status quo, to being able to educate and train staff on the importance of food safety, food safety protocols and communicating with regulatory agencies, an aspiring food safety leader must seek to be an effective communicator who can clearly and concisely communicate the food safety vision, ideas, changes, and the benefits those bring,” Hernandez says.
Dr. Nakamura advises workers to be results oriented early in their careers and continuously develop their skills, and think of themselves as a brand and taking stock to determine how to succeed. “Get solid external certified basic trainings in HACCP, GMP, traceability (FSMA 204), produce safety rule (and its requirements such as PCQI) if going into the produce field,” he says. “Sanitation should be one of your key areas of focus, as we don’t have enough great sanitation trained individuals. Commercial food sanitation has very well respected and world renown training certification courses. Going back to being a subject matter expert, develop yourself to be a specialist in an area such as sanitation, microbiology, etc.”
Critical thinking is another important trait of an aspiring leader: Be able to seek the proper information, to analyze data to identify potential food safety risks, and to develop preventive solutions to ensure the safety of the food supply chain. “They must also have courage,” Hernandez adds. “This can be one of the hardest things for any leader, yet it is essential for any aspiring food safety leader. As an old friend once told me, ‘If you want everyone to like you, do not go into food safety; go sell ice cream.’ Having the courage to speak up, make difficult decisions, taking responsibility for results, apologizing for mistakes, or giving bad news is not easy, but it’s a defining characteristic of true food safety leaders.”
Dr. Nakamura recommends initiating and driving research programs with universities and institutes for your organization. “External engagement with key educational and research universities will foster you and your team’s ecosystem and network,” he says. “This activity will drive two areas—it will keep you in touch and abreast of new technologies and how the next generation are looking at current and future state problems and issues; and it will allow you to develop a network of like-minded professionals that can assist you in finding a solution to your organization’s problems, potentially being an active resource and toolbox for future talent needs.”
Ambitious food safety leaders must also embrace continuous learning and improvement. As foodborne pathogens evolve and the environment changes, science provides new insights. It is imperative for future food safety leaders to stay current on the latest trends, technologies, tools, and best practices to continuously improve their knowledge and skills.
The Power of Networking
A key strategy for career advancement is networking. Building a strong network of industry professionals and participating in professional organizations will help you stay informed of emerging trends and opportunities.
Networking allows professionals to connect with industry peers, experts, and potential employers, expanding their professional contacts and career advancement opportunities. By attending industry events, conferences, and networking functions, professionals can build relationships, exchange ideas, and stay informed about emerging trends and opportunities in the food safety sector. “Networking can also help professionals access hidden job opportunities, referrals, and recommendations from within their professional network,” Hernandez says. “By building strong relationships with industry, academia, and regulatory contacts, professionals can increase their visibility, credibility, and chances of securing job interviews and career advancement opportunities.”
Hernandez also suggests that aspiring leaders seek mentorships with seasoned professionals. “Mentors can offer career advice, feedback, and support to help professionals set goals, make informed decisions, and navigate career transitions in the food safety sector,” he says. “They can also provide valuable insights into industry trends, job opportunities, and professional development pathways.”
When deciding on the perfect job in food safety, Dr. McEntire suggests talking with many people in food safety and adjacent fields to learn about their career paths and current roles to determine what’s most interesting.
Ultimately, food safety professionals should carefully assess these factors and conduct thorough research to select a food sector that aligns with their interests, goals, and values, setting the stage for a rewarding and satisfying career in the food safety industry.
Interview Tips
The interview process can be the difference between landing a lead job or not. “Read up on the company, any relevant outbreaks/recalls the company or related industry has gone through, and how has the organization managed through this,” Dr. Nakamura says. “Do your research beforehand, and then ask pointed questions.”
Remember, an interview should be a two-way endeavor where both the organization and the interviewee seek to find the right fit for long-term success. “When seeking a job in the food safety field, professionals should ask interviewers questions that can help them gain a better understanding of the company, its food safety practices, and the role they will be taking on,” Hernandez says.
Some questions for interviewees to ask include:
- Can you provide an overview of the company’s food safety culture?
- How does the company ensure compliance with food safety regulations and standards?
- Can you describe the company’s approach to training and educating employees on food safety?
- How does the company stay updated on emerging food safety trends and best practices?
- What opportunities are available for professional development and advancement within the food safety department?
By asking these questions, food safety professionals can demonstrate their interest in food safety practices and gain insight into a company’s commitment to a food safety culture, assessing whether an organization aligns with their values and career goals.—KL
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