Quality Assurance Specialist

Description

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. 

Requirements

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