W.A. Imports is hiring!

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, solution-oriented, and self-motivated individual to join us at W.A. Imports. This is a very exciting time in our company and we are looking for a passionate and driven Food Safety Quality Assurance Specialist (FSQA) to join our team.

Consider joining us if you want to:

• Work in a dynamic organization with a chance to make an impact
• Develop lasting relationships with great people
• Have the opportunity to build a satisfying career

About us:

W.A. was founded in 2006 and has grown it into the premier source of the finest Japanese and Pacific Rim ingredients. Sourcing the highest quality products, W.A. Imports has a rich network of suppliers with unparalleled products representing generations of artisan food culture. Taking pride in being the liaison from some of the most talented craftsmen of Asian products to North America’s most prestigious restaurant kitchens.

About our benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Flex Spending Accounts - Healthcare, Dependent Care, Transit
• Company Paid - Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability
• Paid Time Off, including vacation and holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(K) Retirement Plan with Company Match

Job Title: FSQA Specialist

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Compensation Range:  $55K - $65K

About the role:

As our new Food Safety Quality Assurance Specialist, you will be responsible for ensuring the implementation and maintenance of effective food safety programs and practices at the site. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify potential risks, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvements in food safety practices. The purpose of this role is to assure that the site meets customer specification, regulatory requirements as well as food safety and quality standards, while being involved in daily processing operations.

General Requirements:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• Associate Degree in a science-based related area of study
• 2-5 years of experience of hands-on plant Quality Assurance experience in a food industry or related manufacturing facility
• PCQI certification a plus
• Knowledge of food packaging principles, food industry quality and food safety requirements, ingredient performance and interactions with equipment, statistical process control, critical control points and new product scale up dynamics
• Experience with development, implementation, training, and administration of quality processes, GMP, SQF, HACCP, FDA, Kosher or other regulatory/industry certification program development and administration will be a plus
• Understanding of sanitation systems, techniques, and procedures will be a plus
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multitask and prioritize work

Position Responsibilities:

• Understand, implement, update, and audit the site SQF program
• Ensures the integrity of the SQF and HACCP programs
• Ensure that the facility is always audit ready, performing daily walk-throughs and collaborating with area leaders to resolve any non-conformities that are found
• Primary stakeholder of documentation and compliance materials, ensuring accuracy of data records and control point checks; ensuring completeness and accuracy of all materials in support of SQF objectives
• Perform monthly and quarterly internal audits of the program, identifying improvement and/or risk areas
• Facilitate timely, corrective, and preventative actions to fix problems or gaps in the program. This will include, but is not limited to, daily non-conformities, internal audit findings and complaints
• Manage site’s customer complaint workflow, including investigations and CAPAs (Corrective and Preventive Actions)
• Assist the Director of Operations to identify areas of quality improvement, partnering with them to ensure that quality is continuously improving. Offer suggestions and provide a hands approach to solving quality challenges
• Work collaboratively with location leadership to create and update W.A. processing SOPs. Ensure procedures are consistent with SQF and WA standards regarding the production of high quality Asian inspired food goods
• Performs other tasks and duties as assigned

Successful candidates…

• Have a growth mindset regarding their career potential that extends beyond a traditional culinary role
• Exude confidence, humility and curiosity
• Are natural problem solvers with an insatiable desire to positively impact individual and team execution
• Operate within an energetic, diverse, and rapidly growing organization with ease and enthusiasm
• Aim to not only meet expectations but preempt issues or potential problem areas with a solution-oriented mindset
• Feel confident in their ability to communicate, both written and orally, among a variety of stakeholders in a polished, professional, and friendly manner

Check us out on Instagram: @waimportsinc

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties, responsibilities and requirements, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function within our company. WA Imports, LLC reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet changing industry or business needs as necessary.