QA SPECIALIST

Summary / Objective
Support the implementation and maintenance of the company’s Quality and Food Safety Management Systems to ensure compliance with SQF, FSMA, customer, and regulatory requirements. This role assists in maintaining quality programs, conducting investigations, supporting audit readiness, and ensuring production processes meet established food safety and quality standards. The QA Specialist works closely with the Quality Manager and QA team to promote food safety culture and continuous improvement throughout the facility.

Essential Functions

• Serve as backup SQF Practitioner supporting the implementation and maintenance of SQF programs under the direction of the Quality Manager.
• Assist in maintaining HACCP plans and related food safety documentation as a member of the HACCP / Food Safety Team.
• Support routine Quality Assurance activities to ensure all required inspections, verifications, and monitoring activities are performed accurately and at required frequencies.
• Assist with the maintenance and internal auditing of Quality Management System programs, including CAPA, Recall Program, Consumer Complaints, Hold and Release, Environmental Monitoring, and Pest Management.
• Initiate and support investigations of out-of-specification results, process deviations, and quality incidents, including documentation of root cause and corrective actions.
• Support the CAPA system by documenting corrective actions, tracking completion, and verifying the effectiveness of implemented actions.
• Assist in developing and delivering training programs related to food safety, quality procedures, GMPs, and SQF requirements.
• Conduct routine facility inspections and plant walk-throughs to verify compliance with GMPs, SOPs, and company food safety expectations.
• Verify implementation of corrective actions on the production floor to ensure compliance with quality and food safety standards.
• Support preparation and participation in third-party audits, including SQF certification audits, regulatory inspections, and customer audits.
• Assist in reviewing production records and documentation to verify product quality attributes, including labeling accuracy, lot code verification, packaging integrity, and net weight compliance.
• Support product retrieval and recall activities as needed, including traceability verification and documentation review.
• Assist with verification of the facility’s pest control program, including review of service reports, monitoring records, and follow-up on corrective actions in coordination with the approved third-party provider.
• Serve as an active member of the facility's Food Safety Team and participate in food safety program reviews and updates.
• Promote and reinforce a strong food safety culture by supporting training, communication, and compliance with food safety practices throughout the facility.

Competencies

• Strong knowledge of food safety and quality systems, including SQF, HACCP, and GMP requirements
• Root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy
• Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and investigations simultaneously
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality documentation systems

Work Environment

The work performed is often within an office environment. There are job functions that would require going into production as well as the warehouse. Frequent exposure to loud noises and powered equipment would be expected. The office and production/warehouse are climate-controlled.

Physical Demands

Frequently required to sit and operate office equipment. Ability to see, speak, and hear. Bend, stoop, twist, turn, push, pull, grasp, grip, infrequently. Typing is expected at least 75% of the work week. Lifting up to 50lbs infrequently, whereas lifting up to 10lbs may be more frequent.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Full-time hour schedule is subject to change with or without notice. Mandatory or voluntary overtime may be required to meet business needs.

Travel

Minimal travel is expected for this position. Travel may include warehouse visits as well as drop offs to different lab sites.

Education, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Biology, Microbiology, Nutrition, or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and relevant food safety or quality experience in a food manufacturing environment
• HACCP Certification is required or the ability to obtain within the designated timeframe
• PCQI training preferred
• SQF Practitioner certification preferred (ability to serve as backup practitioner)
• 3–5 years of experience in food safety or quality assurance in a food manufacturing environment
• Experience supporting SQF or other GFSI audit programs strongly preferred
• Experience in confectionery, food manufacturing, or regulated food production environments preferred.

EEO Statement

Eillien’s Candies, Inc. is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all employees. It is the Company’s policy to seek and employ the best qualified personnel in all positions, to provide equal opportunity for advancement to all employees, including upgrading, promoting and training, and to administer these activities in a manner which will not discriminate against or give preference to any person because of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, ancestry, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, arrest or conviction record or any other discriminatory basis prohibited by state or federal law

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.