2.2.14 Food Defense Coordinator (FDC) Job Description

Essential Functions

  • Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive Food Defense Plan that meets FSMA regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct Mock Recalls to assess and confirm company facilities are compliant with all tracking and record keeping requirements as defined by the Food Safety Program.
  • Conduct and document Vulnerability Assessments (VAs) to identify actionable process steps where intentional adulteration could occur.
  • Identify and implement mitigation strategies and monitoring procedures for vulnerable process steps.
  • Perform regular Food Defense Plan reanalysis (at least annually or when significant industry standard changes occur).
  • Lead Food Defense Team meetings and ensure cross-departmental participation and buy-in.
  • Develop and deliver training programs for employees on food defense awareness, mitigation strategies, and site-specific procedures.
  • Monitor compliance with food defense policies and conduct routine internal assessments and audits.
  • Prepare documentation for and participate in regulatory inspections, third-party audits, and customer visits.
  • Stay current with food defense threats, emerging risks, and industry best practices through ongoing education and industry engagement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Up to date knowledge of Food Safety Industry Standards in order to implement, maintain, and update the company’s Food Safety Program.
  • Superior process improvement skills.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong business partnering and interpersonal skills.
  • Proven ability to build and manage successful teams.
  • Organized, flexible, and easily adaptable to changing conditions.
  • Ability to develop and successfully execute strategy.
  • Ability to work well in high-pressure situations to meet deadlines.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Criminal Justice, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 2–5 years of experience in a food safety, quality assurance, or security role within the food industry.
  • Completion of FDA-recognized Food Defense training.
  • Knowledge of FSMA regulations, particularly 21 CFR Part 121 (Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food Against Intentional Adulteration).
  • Experience developing and maintaining regulatory documentation and SOPs.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with GFSI-certified food safety schemes (e.g., SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000) and their food defense requirements.
  • Familiarity with physical security measures and personnel monitoring systems.
  • Incident response or crisis management training is a plus.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish or other) is a plus, depending on workforce.
Version:
1.0.0
Published:
2025 NOV 14