Microbiology Manager

Job Summary

As the Manager Microbiology, reporting to the Director Scientific Affairs, you will be part of a team that is a key component of the food safety and microbiology program. The Manager Microbiology independently interfaces with all departments and functions including Research and Innovation, Quality, Engineering, Thermal Processing, Training, Customer Relations, Legal and Safety, and with Operations. 

Position Responsibilities

• Provide key input and direction to the strategic food safety vision consistent with company direction and focus. 

• Champion a culture mindset of food safety first and foremost both horizontally and vertically across the enterprise. 

• Ensure the adoption of best food safety practices across the organization including pathogen environmental monitoring programs, food safety sampling and testing regimens, and leading-edge methods deployment. 

• Proactively participate in our Food Safety Assessment process identifying gaps and developing plans to address the gaps. 

• Conduct portfolio risk assessments and recommend risk mitigation strategies and approaches. 

• Respond to food safety-related special situations and provide guidance and direction to the process. 

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders across functions—including Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Operations, Legal, Procurement, and Co-pack Quality—to uphold food safety standards and policies throughout the supply chain. 

• Oversee HACCP systems and FSMA-related procedures, ensuring all prerequisite programs—such as training, GMPs, and SSOPs—are fully developed and operational. 

• Ensure training and development activities are provided to optimize staff skills and develops individual objectives for staff. 

Position Qualifications

• M.S. in Microbiology, Food Science or related field with 7 years progressive food safety experience required; Ph.D. strongly preferred. 

• Demonstrable knowledge of HACCP and related food safety systems as applied at the food manufacturing plant level. 

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal). 

• Strong technical leadership with an understanding of business needs and processes. 

• Demonstrated external leadership with a record of accomplishment relative to food safety via trade associations, academic consortia, and in the regulatory arena. 

• Experience with government regulations (FDA/USDA/CDC/State and Local as well as international). 

• Track record of successfully managing cross-functional teams and technical teams in the area of food safety. 

• Excellent report writing skills. 

• Working knowledge of statistical and analytical tools. 

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time. Must be able to travel independently and as a responsible representative. 

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Compensation: 

Pay Range:$107,000-$156,000

The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee’s actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees’ equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.

Our Benefits:

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

• Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
• Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
• Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
• Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company:

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye ®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.

Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.