Food Safety & Quality Specialist

Food Safety & Quality SpecialistPosition SummaryThe Food Safety and Quality Specialist is responsible for ensuring that all food products meet regulatory, customer, and company standards for safety and quality. This role oversees food safety programs, manages quality assurance processes, and supports continuous improvement initiatives to maintain high standards in production, handling, and distribution. The position also provides guidance to Compliance Technicians and supports the daily activities of the quality assurance team.Essential Responsibilities• Implement and monitor food safety programs including HACCP, GMP, SQF, or equivalent systems.• Ensure compliance with FDA (FSMA), state Department of Health, and other regulatory requirements.• Maintain strong relationships with regulatory and certifying agencies.• Develop and maintain written food safety and quality procedures.• Monitor product specifications and ensure adherence to established standards.• Investigate and resolve quality issues, including customer complaints and corrective actions.• Lead internal food safety audits and support external audits from regulatory or certification bodies.• Train employees on food safety practices, sanitation, allergen controls, and documentation requirements.• Maintain product labeling accuracy, traceability systems, and food safety documentation.• Support mock recall and product recall readiness procedures.Daily Responsibilities• Ensure food safety and quality documentation is accurate, complete, and properly maintained.• Maintain organized policies and procedures within SharePoint or designated document control systems.• Develop and maintain Food Safety and Quality KPI reports.• Provide guidance and support to Compliance Technicians and Quality Assurance staff.• Conduct routine inspections and audits of production and storage areas.• Maintain records of inspections, audits, and corrective actions.• Verify proper labeling, product traceability, and documentation compliance.• Identify opportunities to improve processes, controls, and documentation.• Collaborate with production, maintenance, R&D, and leadership on quality initiatives.Required Skills and Abilities• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations including HACCP, GMP, FDA, and FSMA requirements.• Ability to lead cross-functional collaboration across production, R&D, maintenance, and leadership teams.• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate quality issues.• Ability to maintain detailed documentation and prepare reports for management or regulatory agencies.• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications including Excel, Word, and SharePoint.• Experience using ERP systems for production, inventory, and traceability tracking.• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining regulatory compliance.Key Competencies• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.• Regulatory and compliance mindset.• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.• Strong communication and leadership skills.• Continuous improvement and problem-solving orientation.• Professionalism and collaboration across departments.Physical Requirements• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods of time.• Frequent use of hands for typing and operating office equipment.• Regular visits to production areas which may include standing and walking.• Ability to work in manufacturing environments including noise, temperature variations, and food allergens.• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hairnets, gloves, and safety glasses when entering production areas.Environmental ConditionsWork is primarily performed indoors in an office and food manufacturing environment. The role may involve exposure to temperature variations, production noise, and food allergens while visiting operational areas.Required Qualifications• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.• 3–5 years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or food manufacturing environments.• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and regulatory compliance requirements.• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.