Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or a related field.
5-7 years of experience in food safety and quality management roles.
Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and quality systems.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Proven leadership and team development abilities.
Effective communicator with the capability to influence across the organization.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Responsibilities
Lead the development and implementation of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems.
Serve as the SQF Practitioner overseeing food safety programs.
Ensure compliance with various food safety regulations and standards.
Conduct gap analyses and maintain audit readiness for compliance.
Lead external audits and implement corrective actions timely.
Maintain food safety programs such as allergen management and sanitation.
Analyze quality data and investigate product deviations to implement CAPAs.
Benefits
Career development opportunities with a focus on mentorship and training.
Collaborative work environment that emphasizes cross-functional teamwork.
Continuous improvement culture using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
Strong focus on employee engagement and workplace inclusion.
Full Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Lead the development, implementation, maintenance, verification, and validation of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems.
Serve as the SQF Practitioner and primary site lead for food safety programs.
Ensure compliance with SQF, HACCP, FSMA, GMP, Organic, Non-GMO, GFCO, FDA, WSDA, and customer requirements.
Conduct gap analyses and maintain audit readiness for customer, regulatory, and third-party audits.
Lead or support external audits and ensure timely implementation of corrective actions.
Maintain food safety programs related to:
Allergen management
Food defense
Recall and traceability
Environmental monitoring
Pest control
Sanitation
Supplier approval
Transportation and storage
Process preventive controls
Ensure all program reviews, updates, and significant system changes are documented and communicated appropriately.
Co-lead monthly Food Safety meetings and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Quality Assurance & Quality Control
Ensure all products are inspected, tested, and released in accordance with company specifications and regulatory requirements.
Oversee organoleptic, chemical, physical, and microbiological testing programs.
Conduct and monitor process, packaging, sanitation, and finished-product quality checks.
Develop, maintain, and improve quality standards, specifications, procedures, and inspection criteria.
Analyze quality data, trends, and performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities.
Investigate product deviations, quality incidents, customer complaints, and non-conformances and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
Maintain ingredient and raw material specifications and approved supplier documentation.
Audit suppliers and support supplier quality improvement initiatives.
Monitor facility conditions and integrity, communicating deficiencies and corrective actions to relevant departments.
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, coach, mentor, and develop the Quality Assurance team, including supervisors, leads, and technicians.
Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, inclusion, and continuous learning.
Partner with People & Culture on recruitment, onboarding, performance management, succession planning, and employee development.
Conduct regular coaching conversations, performance reviews, and development planning.
Ensure team members receive appropriate food safety, quality, regulatory, and technical training.
Act as a liaison between management and team members, ensuring clear communication and alignment across shifts.
Training & Continuous Improvement
Develop and deliver training programs related to:
GMPs
HACCP
FSMA
SQF
Food Defense
Organic and Non-GMO requirements
Quality standards and procedures
Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools to enhance quality systems and operational performance.
Support the implementation of new products, equipment, technologies, and processes through testing, validation, training, and documentation.
Lead and support calibration, environmental monitoring, validation, and verification programs.
Develop, review, and maintain SOPs, SSOPs, work instructions, forms, and quality documentation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and R&D teams to ensure food safety and quality objectives are achieved.
Provide technical expertise and support during new product launches and process improvements.
Communicate quality and food safety performance, risks, and opportunities to site leadership.
Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, auditors, and regulatory agencies. Education
Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or a related field. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and quality systems.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and root-cause analysis skills.
Ability to interpret regulations and translate requirements into operational practices.
Strong leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
High level of integrity, accountability, and attention to detail.
Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and quality management systems.
