Head of operations, global food safety initiative

Position Overview:


The mission of The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) is to bring together consumer goods manufacturers and retailers globally, in pursuit of business efficiency and positive societal change. As a business association, our staff is highly skilled and dedicated to developing programmes and solutions for different types of corporations. We employ a diversified workforce based in five regions. Our people make us the effective, influential and successful organisation we are today.


The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) is seeking a dynamic, creative and strategic leader to assume an exciting role within its Coalition of Action on Food Safety the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

The Head of GFSI Operations role will consist of the development and implementation of a variety of business-critical projects for GFSI under the leadership of the GFSI Director and the GFSI Steering Committee. The applicant will be joining an established team responsible for oversight of the integrity and efficacy of third-party food safety audits.

The Head of GFSI Operations will also be responsible for effective engagement with multiple stakeholders globally including the food safety leaders from some of the largest food and drink brands on the planet. The person will work closely with the GFSI Director with a view to ultimately deputizing for her in her absence. The Head of GFSI Operations will work in English, knowledge of French and/or Spanish is a bonus. Some experience of working in regulatory affairs as it relates to food safety is also desirable.


This is a full-time permanent position, based in the CGF headquarters (Paris area) with some international travel required.

We offer generous company-sponsored benefits as well as an attractive teleworking policy.


Key Responsibilities:


Development and Management of Multiple GFSI Projects

* Lead Working Group projects initiated to deliver on a mandate set by the GFSI Steering Committee.
* Assume responsibility for some existing projects
* Plan, prepare and present project briefs for presentation and peer review at the PMO to include relevant stakeholder mapping and engagement, budget provision and communications related requests
* Manage external consultants allocated to GFSI projects
* Manage meeting planning (agendas and documentation), communication and report writing.
* Write and manage GFSI responses to global stakeholder consultations
* Work closely with the GFSI Director to ensure deliver of CGF Member priorities as it relates to GFSI
* Manage the work of the GFSI Governance Sub-Committee across GFSI activities and strategic priorities


Communication

* Ensure effective communication on project progress at all times with wider GFSI team and GFSI Director
* Support the GFSI Communication Senior Manager with the effective communication of technical content for a range of audiences forregular publications, the GFSI website and press releases
* Support the effective communication of GFSI key messages to a multiplicity of international stakeholders
* Represent GFSI at international conferences and events. Deliver presentations on behalf of GFSI
* Liaise with CGF regional colleagues in the effective development and delivery of the GFSI agenda in all regional offices and through the network of GFSI local groups


Supporting functions

* Provide strong support to the GFSI Director in all aspects of the programme management and in the drafting of strategy-related work.
* Operate within a PMO structure and plan and deliver projects on time and to budget.



Requirements

* An ambitious, articulate and dynamic individual who thrives on hard work in a fast paced and highly political environment.
* Experience of operating effectively in line with the requirements of internal Quality Management Systems
* The ability to break down complex problems and provide pragmatic and effective solutions
* Proven ability to build consensus in multi stakeholder environments
* Strong ability to deal with challenge whilst delivering against defined outcomes
* The ability to identify, communicate and manage risk as it relates to GFSI projects
* Strong strategic leadership : Articulate and persuasive, with outstanding communication and facilitation skills, ability to identify common objectives among different groups.
* Proven track record in engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including companies, standard bodies, international organisations and governments.
* A graduate (or of equivalent educational standard) in food science related discipline (food science, food technology) is preferable but not essential
* Proven ability to manage projects effectively
* Minimum 5 years working experience in the food industry in an international environment.
* Willing to learn with the bandwidth to understand the political and technical challenges of GFSI programmes of work.
* A strong team player, able to take initiative and work autonomously
* Ability to take responsibility to deliver objectives. Analysis and decision making capabilities.
* Fluent in English with excellent oral and written communication skills (working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is a bonus but not essential).
* IT literate - MS Office/Internet.
* Meticulous organisational skills, rigorous attention to detail.


The candidate must have the flexibility and freedom to travel to all continents and be eligible to work in France.