JOB OVERVIEW : Quality is an intricate part of Straus Family Creamery’s mission. The Quality
Documentation Specialist (QDS) will be responsible for developing, maintaining, organizing, and updating Quality and Product Development documentation, raw material specifications, Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs), validation documentation, specifications, work instructions and training records, and other departmental documentation related to our quality and food safety programs in consistent and strict adherence with Company and mandated regulatory standards.
The QDS will build partnerships within our manufacturing quality and operational teams, ingredient suppliers, and other external vendors.
This position will be responsible for implementing and administrating all programs to ensure the safety, quality, legality, and regulatory compliance of Straus products.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Create, develop, organize, write, edit, and review Standard Operational Procedures (SOP), validation documentation, work instructions and training records
Conducts regular system and product audits and internal audits which include elements of HACCP systems; documents and reports findings, and follows-up on non-conformances
Support and adhere to SSI policies and quality management system regulations guidelines and procedures and the maintenance of the Food Safety and HACCP programs, and any / all additional quality programs, as assigned
Ensure that documentation complies with legal and regulatory requirements, identify deficiencies in documentation and work with QA and cross-functionally to correct, and regularly analyze documentation to maintain continuity of style of content utilizing current good documentation practices
Coordinate requests for documentation change orders and facilitate review, approval, and retention of records
Responsible for organizing and maintaining electronic systems and both physical and electronic files with QA Technical Services and R&D
Ensure Master SOP list is current, and SOPs are reviewed as necessary, and at least every two years to reflect any new company practices and / or regulatory changes
Assist in the maintenance and support of the SQF certification
Create and issue all Certificate of Analysis for finished manufactured goods
Support internal and external audits and ensure timely response to documentation requests
Analyze manufacturing and production records to ensure compliance with SOP’s.
Investigate and respond to corrective actions related to document control, training, and external standards
Follow release and out-of-specification procedures based on internal specifications and corresponding laboratory test results
Review key FSQA documentation providing feedback and updating within FSQA dashboards and systems
Support various FSQA initiatives thorough documentation, project and trend management, and dashboarding
Assists in developing and / or maintaining programs that achieve maintain Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification
Support all training activities including mock-trace, regulatory compliance, and audits
Physical Requirements :
Ability to work on a computer and look at a computer screen for extended periods of time. This
position requires computer approximately 65% of the time
Full organoleptic (sight, smell, taste) as well as audio and vocal senses are required to
evaluate and make sound decisions on product quality and production processes
Ability to working in a manufacturing environment
Frequent periods of sitting, turning the head and torso, bending and flexing the arms, legs,
wrists, hands, fingers.
Frequent periods of standing, walking, climbing stairs, on varied, sometimes uneven terrain,
dirt, pavement, floors.
The ability to climb and balance is essential
Working in cold, wet, humid environments
Ability to work in high allergen environments
Ability to withstand noise produced by manufacturing / warehouse machinery up to 90 decibels
Ability to withstand temperatures ranging from -20 to 110 Fahrenheit
Ability to lift, hold and / or carry 30 pounds, unassisted
This is a key Quality position. Flexibility to work an extended schedule, different shifts, to be on
call before or after hours, and to work weekends as business needs arise
Knowledge and Skills and Requirements : :
Knowledge and Skill Requirements :
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, and follow through on issues in a timely manner
- Advanced training and knowledge to ensure compliance with state and federal food standards, sanitation chemical / material use and procedures, food safety procedures, plant and dairy farm inspections, 3rd party audits, food labeling, and product distribution and handling
- Ability to effectively lead, motivate, develop, and direct employees to achieve desired outputs
- Excellent organizational skills to prioritize projects and tasks to meet required timelines
- Ability to research and complete special projects related to job requirements
- Flexibility is essential as priorities may fluctuate
Education and Experience : :
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
1-3 years of experience in product development, quality assurance, document control, food safety or similar discipline
Bachelor’s degree in food science, Science, or related field, preferred
Extensive experience with SOPs related to the position and standard Document Control procedures
Extensive knowledge of programs that manage the compliance to schedule, including but not limited to internal audits, holds management, supplier non-conformance, Food Safety Culture program, and consumer complaint management
Proficient level food safety technical knowledge, including demonstrated knowledge of documentation, allergens, HACCP, FSMA, SQF, and other food regulations
Excellent English verbal and written communication skills, required to communicate
appropriately and effectively cross-functionally, with external customers and regulatory agencies to determine documentation requirements
Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Proficient with Smart technology / Apple products for use with RedZone efficiency platform,
required
Experience in a dairy processing, food, or beverage manufacturing organization, preferred
Passion for organics industry, sustainability, and responsible
business, preferred
Management of concurrent projects and initiatives and meeting defined deliverables, goals, and timelines
Remains current with emerging industry regulations
Ability to communicate in Spanish, preferred but not required
Flexibility to work different shifts when required, to be on call after hours, and to work weekends and all holidays
Founded in 1994, Straus Family Creamery is a mission-driven, family-owned-and-operated business dedicated to making premium organic dairy products, with minimal processing.
The Straus Dairy Farm and Creamery, located in the small town of Marshall on the Northern California Coast, was the first certified organic dairy farm west of the Mississippi River and the first 100% certified organic creamery in the United States.
In addition to the Straus Dairy Farm, Straus Family Creamery buys certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified milk from 11 other organic family farms in Northern California’s Marin and Sonoma Counties.
The combination of rich soil, one of the nation’s most diverse grassland systems, and a mild coastal climate create the ideal setting for organic dairy farming.
Land stewardship and sustainable farming are deeply rooted principles in certified organic farming practices.