Quality Analyst

The Quality Analyst is a salaried exempt role responsible for analyzing quality, food safety, audit, and compliance data to identify trends, assess risks, and recommend process improvements. This position reviews audit findings, product and process data, supplier documentation, and compliance records to identify systemic gaps and evaluate the effectiveness of corrective actions. The Quality Analyst exercises independent judgment in interpreting standards, preparing management-level reports, and recommending standardized solutions. This role partners with plant and Corporate Quality leaders to support continuous improvement, operational consistency, and regulatory compliance across Calbee America.

Responsibilities

• Analyze quality program performance and advise the Quality Manager and Corporate Quality leadership on compliance risks, recurring issues, and recommended corrective actions.
• Review ingredients, supplier, environmental monitoring, and product quality data to determine compliance with internal standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory expectations.
• Interpret supplier documentation, certificates of analysis, specifications, and related records; identify gaps and determine appropriate follow-up actions.
• Partner with Operations, QA, R&D, Procurement, distributors, vendors, importers, and customers to resolve documentation, compliance, and quality-related requests.
• Prepare and evaluate materials for internal and external audits, including SQF, non-GMO, gluten-free, and customer audits; assess findings and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain and improve controlled food safety and quality documentation, including SOPs, specifications, forms, audit tools, and training materials, in alignment with cGMP and internal document control requirements.
• Use independent judgment to route documents for review and approval, initiate workflows, and advise document owners on quality system requirements and change control expectations.
• Analyze GMP inspection results, internal audit findings, quality records, and process data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare written summaries, scorecards, and recommendations for plant and Corporate Quality leadership.
• Evaluate corrective action plans, determine whether actions address root cause, and follow up to confirm sustained effectiveness.
• Evaluate recurring quality and compliance issues, perform root cause analysis, and recommend standardized solutions across plant operations.
• Lead or support implementation of corporate quality processes at the plant level, including procedure rollouts, audit readiness activities, and process controls.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, audit tools, and training materials to support consistent execution.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to food safety, product quality, and workplace organization.
• Track corrective and preventive actions and support root cause analysis efforts.
• Partner closely with Corporate QA, Plant QA, Operations, and cross-functional teams.
• Prepare analytical summaries and management reports; present findings, risks, and improvement opportunities with clear recommendations for action.
• Follow all company safety rules in performing job duties.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Quality Assurance, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field required; equivalent advanced quality or food safety experience may be considered.
• 4-5 years of progressively responsible quality assurance, food safety, audit, or compliance experience in a food manufacturing or CPG environment.
• Working knowledge of GMPs and 5S; prior internal or external audit experience required.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and standards (FDA, USDA, SQF Certification, HACCP, Allergens, Microbiology) desired.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and recommend practical solutions.
• Ability to clearly document findings, prepare management-level reports, and communicate recommendations to plant and corporate leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with audit or quality management systems a plus.
• Ability and willingness to travel to manufacturing locations desired.
• Experience reviewing and writing policies and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Detail oriented.

Physical Requirements

• Be able to lift up to 15 lbs.
• Be able to stand for up to 4 hours.
• Be able to climb stairs.
• Be able to bend/crouch.