Role

The purpose of the QA Specialist is to be responsible for ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulatory through effective document control, training, auditing, validations, trending, and shelf-life studies. 

Responsibilities 

· Assist and provide guidance in the implementation of SQF (Safe Quality Food). Duties include but not limited to:

• Develop, implement, and maintain document control procedures.
• Evaluate and modify existing programs to ensure accurate up-to-date documentation.
• Support other SQF team members in their individual areas of the SQF program.

· Perform internal audits in accordance with SQF requirements.

· Develop and execute audit plans and reports, following up with corrective actions pending findings and accurately documenting        all steps taken. 

· Contact vendors (product and service providers) and customers in relation to SQF requirements. Duties include but not limited to:

• Performing on-site audits and/or collecting acceptable third-party audits.
• Writing and/or obtaining product specifications.
• Developing customer and vendor matrices for ongoing approval.

· Support the Research and Development team with new and/or improved product samples/processes.

· Work closely with USDA and/or FDA to ensure compliance to all federal regulations.

· Develop and implement training programs for quality systems, procedures, and regulations. 

· Coordinate, oversee and ensure calibration with laboratory and production equipment; calibration activities, such as, scheduling, documentation, and reporting; and equipment calibration is performed according to established procedures.

· Develop, review, implement, and participate in validation protocols; trends and issues; and shelf-life studies. 

· Participate in the compliance as required for export regulations or customer requirements, this involves the development of labeling and packaging. 

Education & Training Requirements 

· Bachelor of Science degree in a related field

· Strong knowledge of quality and regulatory requirements (USDA, FDA, HACCP, GMP, GFSI)

· PCQI and SQF certified preferred

· Internal audit training preferred

Work Experience Requirements

· Minimum three years’ experience in quality assurance or related field.  

Physical Demands and Work Environment

· Ability to stand, reach, lift, bend, kneel, stoop, climb, push, and pull items weighing 50 pounds or less for up to 10 hours per day

· Exposure to variation in temperature 

· Working with uncooked, cooked, frozen product or a combination of any product or raw materials

Expectations

· Able to manage working in a diverse environment

· Conflict management

· Ability to communicate effectively

· Follow detailed instructions

· Critical thinking and decision making

· Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. 

· Must have basic math skills.

· Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

· Hearing and Visual skills.

· Proficient in Microsoft office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint