QA Specialist

About the role

A leading Japanese food importer and distributor is seeking a QA Specialist to support food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance activities. This position will play a key role in maintaining food safety programs, ensuring product and labeling compliance, supporting audits, and working with suppliers and regulatory agencies. Located in El Monte, CA. Full‑time position.

Responsibilities

• Implement and monitor HACCP, GMP, sanitation, allergen control, food defense, recall, and supplier verification programs
• Conduct food safety audits and supplier inspections and follow up on corrective actions
• Maintain QA documentation, including product specifications, COAs, laboratory results, audit certificates, and food safety records
• Review imported product labels and ingredients for compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state regulations
• Research FDA, USDA, state, and other applicable regulatory requirements
• Investigate customer quality complaints, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Maintain and improve quality management systems, SOPs, policies, and procedures across company branches
• Coordinate with FDA, USDA, local health departments, and other government agencies during inspections
• Develop and provide QA and food safety training to employees
• Support warehouse sanitation and pest control programs
• Conduct laboratory testing when necessary for food safety and quality verification
• Work closely with suppliers, sales teams, and internal departments on QA‑related matters
• Travel to company branches and supplier locations as needed

Requirements

• Business‑level English required
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field (strongly preferred)
• 3+ years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or a related field (preferred)

Qualifications

• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, food safety systems, and quality assurance procedures
• HACCP, GMP, or other quality system certifications are a plus
• Experience with food labeling, regulatory compliance, audits, and QA documentation preferred
• Strong documentation, organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; knowledge of Microsoft Business Central, SAP, or other ERP systems preferred
• Knowledge of Japanese food and beverage products is a plus

Benefits

• Company‑paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Other benefits

Pay

USD 72,000‑92,000