Compliance Manager - West Pak Avocado : Job Details

Who We Are

At West Pak, being a family owned and operated company means, among other things, respect, integrity, support, and commitment to excellence. Our dedication starts with how we respect the land and the people who work it and carries over into the way in which we conduct all business. This same thoughtful care goes into how we handle our precious cargo. Our avocados are harvested at exactly the right time, packed to perfection, and delivered fresh for enjoyment worldwide.

Over the years, as West Pak's relationships and reputation grew, operations increased with larger facilities and extended distribution. Our company has since grown to 6 distribution facilities exceeding 300,000-square-feet across the United States and Mexico. Today, West Pak avocados are sourced from over 1,000 growers owning over 65,000 acres across California, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Peru. Current distribution includes 350+ customers throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, and the Middle East.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and manage compliance programs to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations.
• Train staff: Educate employees on compliance requirements.
• Investigate breaches: Report any breaches to the relevant regulatory bodies.
• Conduct audits: Conduct regular audits and internal reviews to ensure compliance and identify risks, rectifying them according to regulatory guidelines.
• Foster a culture of compliance: Promote integrity and accountability throughout the organization.
• Protect data: Safeguard and secure the company's data.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including HR and legal departments, to integrate compliance measures into business processes.
• Monitor changes in legislation and update policies and procedures accordingly.
• Provide training and support to staff on compliance-related matters, fostering a culture of compliance.
• Create and maintain a compliance resource library for staff reference.
• Serve as the primary point at times and ensure timely reporting from functional leaders as well as response to inquiries from regulatory bodies.
• Prepare and present compliance reports to senior management and stakeholders.
• Evaluate the efficiency of existing control systems and continuously improve them.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in law, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of compliance management experience preferably within a Produce or Food & Beverage environment, with a strong background in project management.
• Proven experience in creating, launching, auditing, and maintaining compliance programs.
• Prior experience in handling regulatory inspections and inquiries is an advantage.

Skills:

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish a plus.
• In-depth understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and rectify potential compliance vulnerabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders and educating, training, and mentoring staff on compliance matters.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficient in utilizing compliance management software, project management tools, and Excel.
• Strong interpersonal skills to liaise effectively with stakeholders and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Flexibility to adapt in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with a commitment to staying updated on relevant regulatory changes and industry trends.

Certifications

• Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP), Project Management Professional (PMP) are a plus.

Salary Range:

• The base salary we reasonably expect to pay for this role is: $115,000 - $135,000.
• The actual salary for this role will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience.
• Please note that base pay is one important aspect of a compelling Total Rewards package. The base pay range indicated here does not include any additional benefits or cash bonuses that you may be eligible for based on your role and/or employment type.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The essential functions of this job require frequent sitting for prolonged periods, occasional standing, and walking. Sensory demands include the ability to hear and talk, both in person and by phone, and to use standard office equipment. Specific vision acuity required includes close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Physical demands may include bending, stooping, and reaching above and below shoulder level to access records, as well as lifting and carrying files and documents typically weighing less than 25 pounds, with or without assistance.