Job Description
Job Description
Title : Specialist, FSQA ( Back-Up SQF Practitioner / Food Safety Leader)
Primary Tasks :
- Provide management support for the efficient operation of a multi-shift quality control laboratory. Act as primary back-up for QA Manager.
- Maintain organization of the laboratory supplies, ingredients, documents. Order and maintain adequate laboratory supplies.
- Record review of daily production and QC documentation.
- Review and approve updates, modifications or changes in the procedures for batch sheets.
- Assist Innovation with ingredient documentation when needed for claims purposes (organic, gluten free, etc.)
- Communicate directives and provide instruction on sanitation, GMPs, food safety, and quality control.
- Conduct QA checks throughout the warehouse and processing areas for compliance to SOPs and GMPs.
- Providing supervision of sanitation procedures and methods.
- Generate technical reports in support of production and other departments as needed.
- Conduct routine and non-routine laboratory testing to support production activities.
- Review outside analytical results and make decisions about product disposition / release.
- Participate in the coaching, training, and mentoring of laboratory and production personnel.
- Assist in the completion and implementation of finished product specifications.
- Support internal audit program, including food safety, food defense, environmental, other.
- Support customer and SQF audit preparation; provide coaching and drive corrective action initiatives.
- Evaluate ingredients and ensure quality raw materials are received.
- Ensure traceability of raw materials, work in progress, and finished goods
- Maintain CoA process for releasing raw materials.
- Support or manage rework process flow and determination of release.
- Support or manage close expiration and raw material extension.
- Support or manage refrigeration and frozen raw material inventory processes.
- Provide expertise on existing FSQA & sanitation programs; suggest, develop and implement new programs as needed.
- Participate in mock recalls, crisis assessments, and challenge events, including food fraud & food defense / security.
- Contribute to and participate in supplier, co-packer, and material verification and approval processes.
- Advise plant operations & executive leadership teams on relevant FSQA matters and suggest / lead continuous improvement initiatives as appropriate.
Reporting Structure :
Reports to Manager, Quality Assurance
Qualifications & Skills :
- Bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or other relevant degree. Associate’s degree may be considered.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a FSQA leadership role.
- Strong leadership skills with ability to train, mentor, and develop team members.
- HACCP certification preferred or able and willing to become HACCP certified.
- PCQI certification preferred or able and willing to become PCQI certified.
- SQF Practitioner experience preferred or able and willing to become SQF Practitioner.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing and quality management systems.
- Working knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
- Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite.
- Experience with TraceGains, TrustWell, RedZone, or similar nutrition / production / supplier / quality management digital platforms.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate and build relationships with all levels within the organization and with suppliers.
- Excellent organizational and documentation skills.
Other :
- Position location : On-site in Winston-Salem, NC.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
- Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts, as required.
7 days ago