Job Description

Position Responsibilities may include, but not limited to

• Schedule and conduct onsite vendor food safety and quality assessments through collaboration with Internal Stakeholders for new potential vendors
• Maintain current supplier approval schedule and conduct re-evaluation audits per the defined frequency
• Thoroughly assess vendor risks as it relates to various product types (i.e., Meat, poultry, egg, dairy, baked goods, fruit/vegetables, food additives/ingredients, etc.) and applicable regulations (i.e. USDA and FDA) and Quality Standards (i.e. SQF, BRC, etc.)
• Write reports and communicate findings in a timely manner to execute prompt closure to identified nonconformances
• Follow up with suppliers on corrective action plans as needed to ensure the appropriate level of action is taken to eliminate nonconformance
• Work with suppliers to improve their overall service level, including compliance to specifications and COA requirements
• Identify, measure, implement and report on continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain program (i.e. Supplier Performance metrics, etc.)
• Further develop and evolve food safety and quality risk assessment criteria and supplier qualification programs, assist with HACCP and Food Safety Plans as needed
• Assist in analyzing complaint data as it relates to raw materials to identify trends and opportunities with vendors to drive continuous improvement
• Assure programs, policies and procedures are compliant and kept current
• Input supplier data within the computerized quality management system to ensure current information is maintained 

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Meat Science or similar science degree
• 5+ years’ experience in a quality assurance role in a food manufacturing facility
• Strong technical expertise in auditing skills
• Prior experience auditing food companies
• Knowledge of food safety mitigation processing techniques to reduce microbial, chemical, and foreign material hazards
• Familiarity with various industries such as Dairy, Meat and Poultry, Egg, Seafood, Food Additives
• Excellent knowledge of HACCP & HARPC and experience in implementation of Food Safety Management Plans
• Certification by a recognized HACCP training provider (Meat, Poultry)
• Working knowledge of regulations and guidelines such as FDA and USDA titles 21 and 9 for GMPs and quality programs
• Ability to work autonomously to conduct audits as needed
• Ability to communicate persuasively and passionately about the need for food safety & quality
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office programs
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Strong initiative and ability to work as part of a team; communicate effectively
• Excellent organization, time management and decision-making skills
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Ability to travel up to 75% 

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Prior work experience as an auditor within FSSC 22000, SQF or BRC audit schemes or experience working in a certified facility
• Previous experience as a lead auditor or ASQ Certified Auditor

Physical Requirements

• Repetitive motions that include the wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting, remaining in a stationary position for prolonged periods
• Visual perception to perform job including peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus