Food Auditor - With 3rd-party audit experience in food standard, SQF/BRCGS Technical Reviewer

Job Description

Global SQF/FSMA Technical Reviewer: 

ROLE PURPOSE

• The jobholder is responsible for independent technical review of SQF/FSMA audit reports and certification packages and for providing expert interpretation of SQF/FSMA, accreditation, and applicable regulatory requirements. More specifically: 
• To conduct Technical Reviews and Certification Decisions in accordance with SGS procedures, accreditation requirements, and SQFI/FSMA requirements, ensuring decisions are technically sound, impartial, and completed within required timelines
• To provide technical interpretation, escalation support, and calibration input where audit evidence, scheme requirements, or applicable food safety regulations require expert judgement

MAIN RESPONSIBILITES

• Work with Global Product Manager for SQF/FSMA on the prioritization of Technical Reviews to meet KPI’s
• Conduct technical reviews and certification decisions in accordance with current SGS procedures, SQFI/FSMA requirements, accreditation criteria, and applicable interpretations to ensure high-quality certification outputs and timely certificate issuance
• Review audit reports, non-conformities, corrective action responses, and supporting evidence to verify conformity with SQF/FSMA requirements and certification body procedures.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of certification records in SQFI database entries to meet scheme requirements
• Provide technical support and advice to SGS network of affiliates and customers as required

• Deliver internal training and technical updates to SGS personnel and affiliates to strengthen competency and support effective certification processes
• Undertake additional SQF/FSMA-related technical tasks and projects as assigned by management to support team and business objectives
• Maintain expert knowledge of SQF/FSMA Code requirements, applicable food safety regulations, accreditation criteria, and SGS technical procedures, and apply current requirements consistently in technical reviews and certification decisions
• Provide technical review and validation of SQF/FSMA procedures, policies, audit checklists, guidance, training content, and related program documentation before approval and implementation
• Provide technical input during SQF/FSMAI and accreditation assessments, including interpretation of requirements, analysis of findings, development of technical corrective-action responses, and verification of effectiveness
• Define and validate the technical requirements for new or revised SQF/FSMA services, participate in technical pilots, and evaluate technical feedback before wider implementation
• Develop or deliver technical calibration input for auditors and reviewers, using review outcomes, recurring findings, and regulatory or scheme changes to improve consistency

General

• At all times, behave in accordance with the Company’s Code of Integrity & Professional Conduct.
• At all times, adopt a safe behavior by exercising due regard for the health and safety of employees and clients, in line with policies and procedures.
• This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job.

GBS Technical Reviewer (Global BRCGS): 

Primary Responsibilities

The GBS Technical Reviewer has to check that BRCGS audit report packs comply with all relevant requirements.
▪ The Technical Reviewer’s responsibility is to verify that the audit has been conducted in accordance with all SGS procedures, accreditation and/or BRCGS requirements ensuring that customers receive certificates in the required timescales.
▪ To gain and maintain a knowledge and understanding of SGS procedures

Specific Responsibilities

Check audit report packs confirming that the audit has been conducted in accordance with procedures and BRCGS requirements, and that the output of the audit is technically appropriate and adequate to support the audit team’s recommendation
o Undertake technical reviews and certification decisions in accordance with the current SGS procedures and interpretations to ensure that clients receive certificates within the required timescales and to ensure report quality does not impact the scheme KPI
o Work with Global BRCGS Product Manager in the prioritization of Technical Reviews to meet KPIs
o To ensure the accuracy of scheme owner database to meet KPI criteria
o To assist in proposals and business development as required and to provide specific technical support to expand the company’s capability to offer valued services to customers
o Provide technical support and advice to SGS network of affiliates and customers as required
o Provide training internally to the Global network as required in areas that will support the certification process
o To undertake additional technical tasks on ad hoc basis, relating to BRCGS, as requested by line managers to achieve team objectives
▪ Complies with the Quality, Health and Safety, Environment and Energy (QHSEE) policies and supporting objectives including, but not limited to:
o Demonstrates strong commitment to SGS QHSEE policies, procedures and work instructions by actively participating in meetings, projects and events, completes required training, intervenes in unsafe situations, refuses unsafe work, and complies fully with all applicable laws and regulations related to HSEE

o Responds appropriately and immediately to emergency situations and assists other staff members in maintaining readiness to respond to emergencies within the workplace
o Disposes or directs the disposal of waste generated as a part of daily work performed in a safe manner and in compliance with the disposal regulations and requirements, and in accordance with SGS Environmental Management System requirements
o Reports all incidents, including near misses and hazards, that may affect the achievement of QHSEE objectives in accordance with SGS Incident Reporting and Management requirements
o Efficiently uses all equipment, including safety equipment, and company owned property in the manner intended and reports any damaged / lost equipment to immediate superior
o Maintains a safe and tidy worksite according to the organization’s 5S program and guidelines
o Maintains awareness of the safety and health related hazards and environmental aspects and proposes action plans to control the risks to immediate superior or QHSEE Coordinators
o Actively participates in incident investigations and risk assessments as deemed necessary by SGS management
o Fulfills the requirements needed in the success of the QHSEE Management System
o Recognizes the potential consequences of not following the established policies, procedures, and guidelines, including not fulfilling the organization’s compliance obligations
Reports all incidents, including near misses and hazards, that may affect the achievement of QHSEE objectives in accordance with SGS Incident Reporting and Management requirements
o Efficiently uses all equipment, including safety equipment, and company owned property in the manner intended and reports any damaged / lost equipment to immediate superior
o Maintains a safe and tidy worksite according to the organization’s 5S program and guidelines
o Maintains awareness of the safety and health related hazards and environmental aspects and proposes action plans to control the risks to immediate superior or QHSEE Coordinators
o Actively participates in incident investigations and risk assessments as deemed necessary by SGS management
o Fulfills the requirements needed in the success of the QHSEE Management System
o Recognizes the potential consequences of not following the established policies, procedures, and guidelines, including not fulfilling the organization’s compliance obligations

Qualifications

Global SQF/FSMA Technical Reviewer: 

PROFILE

• University degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Bioscience, or related discipline.
• Minimum two (2) years of professional experience in food safety, food quality management, food manufacturing, food processing, food retail, or related sectors.
• Successful completion of a HACCP training course recognized by SQFI/FSMA requirements.
• Successful completion of the SQF Auditing SQF Systems training course, or equivalent qualification pathway meeting SQFI requirements.
• Successful completion of the Auditing SQF/FSMA Food Safety Systems examination.
• Minimum eighty (80) hours of food safety auditing experience that satisfies SQFI eligibility requirements.
• Broad understanding of food safety principles, HACCP methodology, quality management systems, food manufacturing processes, and regulatory requirements across food sector
• Experience in food safety management, certification, auditing, technical review, or regulatory interpretation in the food sector

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Fluent in English, both written and verbal
• Detailed knowledge of the SQF/FSMA Food Safety Codes, SQFI/FSMA requirements, and certification processes
• Strong understanding of HACCP principles and risk-based food safety management systems
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate audit reports, corrective actions, and certification documentation for technical accuracy and completeness
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills
• Effective time management and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively at all organizational levels
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills in certification and technical review activities
• Ability to interpret standards, guidance documents, and certification requirements consistently
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Ability to exercise independent technical judgement, manage conflicting priorities, and communicate technical decisions effectively across cultures and geographies

DESIRABLE SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Registered SQF Auditor or SQF Technical Reviewer status
• Lead Auditor qualification in a recognized management system standard
• Detailed knowledge of food safety regulatory requirements, including FSMA Preventive Controls; PCQI qualification is desirable

GBS Technical Reviewer (Global BRCGS): 

Profile

• University degree preferably in Food related or Bioscience discipline
• At least 4 years workplace experience in a position related to Food industry or in retail
• Broad experience and thorough understanding of Food safety principles, Food safety and quality management principles, food manufacturing processes and key food safety challenges facing the food sector across different categories
• Recognized HACCP qualification of a minimum of 2 days in duration with an examination
• Lead Auditor or technical reviewer experience in any of the Global Food Safety schemes (e.g., BRCGS, FSSC, IFS, etc.) across different product categories is an advantage

Required Skills

• Fluent in English language
• Ability to communicate effectively with auditors and BA teams
• A solid knowledge and understanding in BRCGS or any of the Global Food Safety Schemes
• Strong organizational skills and flexibility
• Decisiveness
• Detail-oriented and meticulous
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to interact effectively at all levels
• Able to work independently and coordinate several activities simultaneously
• Working well under pressure
• Customer focus, delivery and results oriented
• Proficient in Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, etc.)

Additional Information

• Contract based (1 year)