Food Safety Specialist

About the role

The Food Safety Specialist (SQF Practitioner) supports the facility’s food safety and quality programs in alignment with Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards, regulatory requirements, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). This role works closely with quality assurance, production, and leadership teams to ensure the facility maintains ongoing compliance with SQF Code requirements and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Verify and sign off on daily food safety and quality documentation for the facility to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Review and approve Certificates of Analysis (COAs) to confirm compliance with established product specifications.
• Assist the Quality Assurance Manager with food safety investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Support the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the SQF Food Safety Program.
• Aid in internal audits to verify compliance with SQF standards, regulatory requirements, and internal food safety procedures.
• Aid in preparation for regulatory, customer, and third-party food safety audits by organizing records and ensuring audit readiness.
• Maintain and update documentation required for food safety compliance, including records needed for SQF and other audit programs.
• Aid in Department of Agriculture visits by providing required documentation and supporting regulatory interactions.
• Monitor and enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) throughout the facility and provide feedback to reinforce compliance.
• Identify, document, and escalate food safety risks or non-compliance issues to leadership in a timely and clear manner.
• Support food safety initiatives and continuous improvement projects, ensuring accurate and complete food safety documentation.
• Notify leadership of any food safety or compliance concerns that may impact the facility, product quality, or regulatory status.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with quality, production, and leadership teams to promote a strong food safety culture across the facility.

Requirements

• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification.
• Experience working in a food manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and their application in a production setting.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on documentation accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively with quality, production, and leadership teams.
• Foundational understanding of food safety, auditing, and quality assurance principles.
• Ability to monitor and support compliance with food safety programs and procedures.

Qualifications

• SQF Practitioner certification, or the ability to obtain this certification after hire.
• Experience working with SQF food safety systems and SQF Code requirements.
• Experience supporting regulatory, customer, or third-party food safety audits.
• Experience using TraceGains or similar supplier management or documentation systems.
• Knowledge of HACCP principles and their application in food manufacturing.
• Experience with food quality, quality control, and microbiology concepts.
• Experience in food manufacturing environments focused on dairy, beverages, or similar products is beneficial.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple documentation and audit-related tasks.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.