Job Title: Senior Food Safety Specialist Department: Compliance Location: Canby, ORReports To: Divisional Food Safety Manager Job Type: Full-timeCompensation: $85k - $100k DOEJob SummaryThe Senior Food Safety Specialist is responsible for administering and leading the production facility's quality assurance and food safety programs across all aspects of food production. Working under the direction of the Food Safety Manager, this role provides direct oversight of facility food safety systems, regulatory compliance, and quality programs to ensure products meet company, customer, and regulatory standards. The position drives continuous improvement, promotes a strong food safety culture, and ensures effective execution of quality and compliance processes within the facility.
Essential Job Functions - Lead and maintain facility food safety and quality programs to ensure compliance with SQF, HACCP, USDA, FDA, state regulations, and customer requirements
- Supervise daily QA and food safety activities, including oversight, training, and development of the quality team
- Monitor production, laboratory, and microbiological results to verify product specifications and authorize product release
- Conduct validations, verifications, internal audits, and record reviews to ensure ongoing compliance and program effectiveness
- Prepare for and lead third-party, regulatory, and customer audits, including corrective action management and documentation
- Partner with operations leadership to investigate nonconformities, resolve customer complaints, and implement preventive and corrective actions
- Maintain supplier documentation and perform ingredient and process risk assessments
- Develop and deliver food safety and quality training programs for QA and operations personnel
- Support new product launches, equipment changes, and process improvements from a quality and regulatory perspective
- Track and analyze KPIs, compliance metrics, and performance trends to drive continuous improvement
- Serve as facility PCQI, HACCP Lead, and SQF Practitioner while promoting a culture of food safety aligned with company values
- Perform other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
- 6+ years of experience in food safety or quality assurance within USDA or FDA regulated environments with at least 1 year of supervisory or team leadership experience
- Strong knowledge of food safety systems, HACCP principles, SQF standards, and regulatory compliance requirements
- HACCP Certification, PCQI certification, and Advanced SQF Practitioner certification required
- Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and quality documentation systems
Preferred Qualifications - Experience driving employee engagement and ownership of compliance programs
- Bilingual English/Spanish skills
Work Environment This position operates primarily within a food production environment and requires working in varying climate conditions, including hot and cold environments. The role involves walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Regular plant floor presence is required to support compliance and operational effectiveness.
Benefits: - Regular performance reviews
- Employee Assistance Program
Disclosure This job description is not exhaustive, as employees may perform additional related duties as needed. Employment is based on an 'at-will' basis. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, as applicable to the role and in compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
