Jared Keefer

About Jared Keefer

As a bold, results-driven executive, I specialize in transforming complex food systems through operational excellence, food safety leadership, and regulatory strategy. I don’t just optimize processes — I architect enterprise-wide change that enhances efficiency, protects brands, and accelerates growth.Currently serving as Senior Director of Operational Excellence at Shamrock Foods Company, I lead cross-functional teams across FSQA, Sustainability, Innovation, Inventory Control, and Operational Technology.I’ve built and scaled quality and safety systems at leading organizations like Sprouts Farmers Market and URM Stores, blending deep regulatory knowledge (FSMA, GFSI, PCQI) with a sharp focus on risk reduction, compliance, and customer trust. With a Master of Public Health and credentials as a Registered Sanitarian, I bridge technical acumen with executive vision.My passion lies in building resilient, agile operations that stand up to scrutiny — and drive value across the supply chain. Let’s connect if you’re looking to elevate quality, safety, and operational performance in the food industry.

Experience

1. Senior Director of Operational Excellence

   Shamrock Foods Company

   May 2024 — Present · Phoenix, AZ, US

   Lead strategic groups that support functional operations enterprise-wide. Teams include: Continuous improvement, FSQA, Industrial Engineering, Inventory Control, Sustainability, Transportation and warehousing technology, Operational Innovation, and project managers. Ensure strategic execution of local and corporate initiatives; compliance with government regulations; safety and security of the buildings, their contents and people, including retention and management of staff. Develop and execute multi-year operational roadmaps that define network design, support company strategy, and address opportunities for continuous process improvement, cost improvement, and advancement of functional capabilities and technologies. Analyze growth of the operating company against facility size to maintain proper storage, receiving, and shipping capabilities for present and future business. Continually scan the marketplace for next generation processes, technology, and modern methods to improve overall service, productivity, and cost.

Education

• University of Washington

  BS Zoology, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Genetics

  1998 — 2002

• University of Washington School of Public Health

  Master of Public Health, Environmental Health Law, Program Management, Biostatistics

  2007 — 2010

Skills

• Bakery
• Water Quality
• Grocery
• Meat
• Public Health
• Health
• Regulatory Knowledge
• Program Management
• Wastewater Treatment
• Environmental Science
• Public Speaking
• Chemical Safety
• Ingredients
• Environmental Compliance
• Hygiene
• Water Supply
• Restaurants
• Technical Project Leadership
• Public Health Policy
• Hazardous Waste Management
• Sanitation
• Food Safety
• Food Quality
• Haccp
• Change Management
• Environmental Health
• Local Government
• Food Service
• Solid Waste
• Food
• Retail
• Sensory Evaluation
• Food Industry
• Fruit
• Team Building
• Program Development
• Food Science
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (Haccp)