Quality Assurance Coordinator

Job Title: Quality Assurance Coordinator

Department: Quality Assurance
Reports To: Quality Manager / Plant Manager
Location: Empire Nut Company

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance (QA) Coordinator supports the effective implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Empire Nut Company’s food safety and quality systems. This role ensures products meet internal standards, customer specifications, and all applicable regulatory and certification requirements. The QA Coordinator works closely with cross-functional teams to promote a strong food safety and quality culture throughout the facility.

Key Responsibilities

Food Safety & Quality Systems

• Support the maintenance and ongoing compliance of the BRCGS Food Safety and Quality Management System.
• Conduct internal audits, inspections, and verification activities to ensure compliance with food safety and quality programs.
• Monitor Critical Control Points (CCPs), prerequisite programs, and facility-wide food safety practices.
• Inspect incoming raw materials (walnuts), in-process production, and finished goods to verify adherence to quality standards.
• Assist with traceability exercises, mock recalls, and food safety incident investigations.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant product specifications and quality records.
• Investigate customer complaints and product non-conformances; support root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions.
• Supervise and support production and sanitation teams in GMPs, allergen control, and food safety practices.
• Support environmental monitoring programs and sanitation verification activities.
• Assist with preparation for and participation in third-party, regulatory, and customer audits.
• Promote a strong food safety and quality culture through consistent communication, training, and accountability.

Seasonal Responsibility – Huller Operations

During the hulling season, the QA Coordinator will support huller-specific quality and compliance activities, including:

• Accurately entering and verifying huller intake and quality data in tracking systems.
• Coordinating with the DFA on inspections, sampling, and required documentation.
• Responding to grower inquiries regarding quality results, procedures, and intake issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Supporting huller sanitation and operational checks to ensure food safety compliance.
• Communicating quality or food safety concerns to management promptly during operations.
• Assisting with traceability and intake documentation for all received loads.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in quality assurance or food safety within a food manufacturing environment; experience in the nut industry, produce, or agricultural commodities preferred.
• Working knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, Allergen Control, Traceability, and BRCGS or other GFSI-recognized standards.
• Education in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field is preferred but not required; equivalent work experience will be strongly considered.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and documentation skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Comfortable working in both production floor and office environments.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly desirable.

Compensation & Benefits

• $32.00 – $38.00 per hour, depending on experience
• 40 hours of paid vacation
• Health and dental benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Empire Nut Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $32.00 - $38.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $32 - $38