Quality Systems Specialist

Job Summary

The Quality Systems Specialist is responsible for ensuring that the company’s food safety and quality management Pre-requisite systems meet SQF standards and maintain SQF certification. This role involves monitoring food safety plans and programs, participating in internal audits, and ensuring compliance with SQF guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the tertiary point of contact for all SQF-related activities and communications.
• Maintain the Food Safety Plan and Quality Plan documentation, ensuring all production and quality control teams are utilizing the correct forms and system programs.
• Create draft specification sheets from the TraceGains application and route for review by the Quality Systems Coordinator.
• Complete assigned internal audits of the SQF System to identify non-conformities and escalate findings to the Quality Systems Coordinator for CAPA entry and review.
• Absorb any external audits through document organization, and retrieval of monitoring records.
• Maintain the company’s food safety documentation and records.
• Maintain the TraceGains application, provide training for new users on its function, assign document reviews, and follow-up with existing vendors for document submissions.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in the food safety and quality systems.
• Stay updated on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices related to food safety and SQF standards.
• Ensure that all staff involved in performing production or quality tasks have documented training in their roles within the SQF System.
• Follow-up with management on gaps in assigned training for employees and coordinate scheduling make-up sessions for employee trainings.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to employees to foster a strong food safety culture.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, or a related field.
• 1+ years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or a related field.
• Beginning knowledge of SQF standards, HACCP principles, and food safety regulations.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and food safety/quality management software.
• Preferred knowledge of ERP systems and inspection planning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the food manufacturing or processing industry.
• Additional certifications in food safety or quality management preferred (e.g., HACCP, PCQI).

Working Conditions

• Regular visits to production areas required.
• May require occasional travel to other PS Seasoning facilities for audits, or to post new revisions of documentation.
• Flexible hours may be necessary during audits or in response to food safety incidents.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a food manufacturing environment, including exposure to varying temperatures and noise levels.
• Ability to comply with all cGMP requirements to enter a production environment.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods during audits or inspections.