Quality Assurance Specialist

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.