Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance Specialist

Hi, we're Nuts.com!

Nuts.com is a self-funded, profitable, rapidly growing multi-channel DTC specialty food and wellness company with over 550 people on our team. We're changing the landscape of snacking on nuts, dried fruit, chocolate and more! We planted our roots in Newark, New Jersey during the Great Depression, selling premium nuts on Mulberry Street's open-air market. We've come quite a long way since then, taking our multi-generational family business online in 1999. Even after 97 years, we continue to pride ourselves in expertly sourcing the highest quality foods and treating our customers like family.

What's our team like? We're driven, collaborative and entrepreneurial. Energy and passion power our business and we look for candidates who share in that excitement to help us continue to build something special.

The role:

The Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance Specialist in the food industry is responsible for policy creation and implementation of the programs for food safety, and to ensure compliance of regulatory standards and 3rd party certifications. This position reports to the Food Safety Compliance Manager.

The ideal candidate is responsible for day-to-day and onsite activities related to supporting documentation for vendor approval and product specifications. This role requires interacting with stakeholders seeking support from the food safety department and ensuring the company complies with all regulatory requirements. Stakeholders include external parties such as vendors, customers, regulators, and certifying agencies, as well as internal teams such as merchants, buyers, sales, copywriters, and operations teams.

How you'll make an impact:

• Ensure that all aspects of the food supply chain, from sourcing to production to distribution, comply with these regulations (e.g. FDA, USDA, SQF, CFIA).
• Oversee Kosher, Organic, Certified Gluten Free, Prop 65 and BSE/Non-GMO compliance
• Review and approve labels and packaging proofs for accuracy and compliance to claims.
• Conduct research on regulatory and legal government policies.
• Advise management on decisions impacted by regulations.
• Prepare briefs, reports, and other documents for various audiences.
• Support product documentation for current products, new products, and the onboarding of new vendors
• Periodically review and update specification documents  and product labels to ensure all claims are accurate, including certifications, nutritional facts panels, allergens, and ingredients.
• Manage requests for new vendors and new products
• Support Supplier Management Program through document review and approvals utilizing TraceGains.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for food safety and quality.
• Stay up-to-date on relevant food safety regulations and standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, SQF).
• Work with various departments, including production, quality control, and management, to ensure compliance and quality.
• Collaborate with regulatory agencies and external auditors.
• Ensure accurate documentation of production and quality processes.
• Assist with internal audits, verifying and documenting any quality and/or food safety issues
• Actively participate in and support the team during SQF & third-party audits.
• Provide supporting documentation and records for SQF & third-party audits
• Maintain complaint and nonconformance processes through records, including CAPAs (corrective and preventive actions) from vendors and the closure of corrective actions.
• Assist with mock recalls, including mock traces.
• Investigate and analyze product complaints and reported food safety and quality issues.
• Manage food safety email correspondence regarding requests for quality and documentation from customers and regulatory agencies.
• Oversee the product hold and release program, ensuring that production and quality inspectors follow the program to the set standards.

What you’ll bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline preferred
• 2-5 years of relevant experience within the Food Quality/Safety/Regulatory space (food manufacturing highly preferred)
• Experience with audit compliance and related audit requirements
• Experience with Organic, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Non-GMO verified programs high preferred
• Relevant certifications (e.g., HACCP, SQF) are a plus.
• Competency with Electronic Quality Management Systems (EQCMS) 
• Self-motivated and proactive mindset
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and standards
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in relevant software and systems

What we offer:

• A high-growth and rewarding role in a foundationally strong and rapidly evolving business
• Annual Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 plus annual bonus
• Excellent benefits including a 401K Match
• Paid Maternity, Adoption and Paternity leave
• And all the Nuts.com snacks your heart desires + a 40% employee discount

EEO STATEMENT

Nuts.com is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, immigration status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should reach out to us at [email protected]