KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Q&FS Compliance Leadership: Lead Quality & Food Safety compliance across all VIVA Retail stores in the territories.
- Policies, HACCP & SOPs: Develop and implement food safety policies, HACCP studies and related SOPs, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.
- Team Management & Coaching: Manage and coach the Store Hygiene Officers, building capability, consistency and accountability across the cluster.
- Audits, Inspections & Reviews: Conduct compliance reviews, store inspections and food safety audits, and monitor corrective and preventive actions to closure.
- Compliance Trend Analysis: Analyse compliance trends and food safety data and performance metrics to identify risks, areas for improvement and implement corrective measures.
- Operations & Supply Chain Partnering: Partner with Operations and Supply Chain to ensure food safety and quality considerations are integrated into all aspects of the retail operation.
- New Openings & Projects: Liaise with the project team for new openings, re-modelling and new concepts at country level to ensure proper implementation of food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
- Incident & Recall Management: Lead food safety incident investigations and the product recall process end-to-end.
- Authority Inspections: Support authorities during inspections, ensure compliance with their findings and close corrective action plans following their visits.
- Awareness & Training: Drive food safety awareness and training across store teams to embed a proactive food safety culture.
- Operational Controls: Ensure compliance with hygiene, pest control, temperature monitoring and food defense across all stores.
- KPI Monitoring & Reporting: Monitor KPIs and prepare management reports on compliance performance and risk.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Veterinary Science or a related field.
- FSSC 22000, BRC Food Lead Auditor or equivalent certification preferred.
- 8–10 years in QA / Food Safety within retail, FMCG or food manufacturing.
- Minimum 3 years leading food safety teams.
- Experience with UAE, Oman and KSA food safety regulations.
- Experience managing multi-site retail operations.
- Arabic and English good writing and speaking is a must.
