SQF Practitioner

The SQF Practitioner position is responsible for the SQF system, Food Safety Plan, all internal and external audits; all investigations and root cause analysis. Must be familiar with SQF (GFSI) systems, Preventive Controls, HACCP and Better Process School with a strong working knowledge of Microbiology. A key requirement for this position is to lead the verification and validation process for the entire Food Safety and SQF systems by optimizing methods and techniques for efficiency and compliance. This work will ensure all activities are handled in accordance with Finlay’s mission, business philosophy, ethics, and goals. In the absence of the SQF Facility Practitioner, the FSQA/Plant Manager is responsible for any food safety issues and the QA Lab Supervisor is responsible for non-food safety issues under the direction of the Quality Manager.

Responsibilities

• The SQF Practitioner/Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager will provide assistance and technical backup to the food safety and quality programs

• This person should possess the background and capacity to master the testing and analysis of raw ingredients and finished product, understand the processing system, seek appropriate training, and contribute as a technical team member

• This person will participate in the verification of the company’s programs regarding regulatory compliance issues, preventive controls and third party safety and quality requirements

• Coordinates with the Quality Assurance Supervisor, Processing Supervisor, the Warehouse Supervisor, the Maintenance Supervisor, the Food Safety Manager and the Sanitation Supervisor in daily operations

• Provides assistance to the Quality Assurance Supervisor, the Food Safety Manager and completes other responsibilities as assigned

• Performs daily product quality checks and maintains records of analysis

• Keeps the laboratory supplied with current unexpired supplies and reagents and maintains the laboratory in a safe, sanitary and orderly manner

• Inspects and approves the quality and suitability of incoming raw produce, ingredients, and packaging and ensures they meet purchasing specifications

• Maintains daily processing and production records and verifies that they are complete, properly filled out and that the recorded data is within parameters

• Verifies that all record-keeping documents are filled out completely and turned in at the end of the day

• Maintains records in an organized manner in the laboratory

• Verifies the accurate documentation, labels and codes before finished product is sent to the warehouse

• As necessary, takes immediate control when there is glass breakage anywhere in the plant or warehouse to stop production, supervise cleanup of the site, ensure the proper disposition of uncovered product or containers, and documents the incident prior to allowing production to continue

• Trains operators and utility personnel on the job, as assigned

• Serves as a member of the Food Safety Committee, participating in meetings and providing feedback as requested

• Helps complete the QA Monthly Self Audit and corrects any non-compliances, when requested

• Assists with production temporarily, when necessary, when it does not conflict with other assigned responsibilities

• Reports any concerns and needs to the General Manager of Operations

• The worker is subject to extreme heat: Temperatures above 100 degrees for periods of more than one hour

• The worker is subject to hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts and exposure to high heat

Qualifications

• SQF Certification

• Minimum 7 relevant experience

• Prefer HACCP, PCQI and SQF qualifications, as well as experience conducting and documenting laboratory tests

• Must be a self-starter with the ability to work cooperatively as a strong team member, possessing the skills to read, write, and communicate clearly

• Ability to work in the processing plant safely and to maneuver in the area, with the capacity and stamina to work overtime, when required