Job Description
Job Location: Central Kitchen Oregon - Portland, OR 97214
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $20.00 - $20.00 Hourly
Who We Are
From our humble beginnings to becoming a beloved spot in our community, our story is one of innovation, community, and the pursuit of the perfect scoop. Each flavor tells a story, and every cone holds more than just ice cream—it holds memories, smiles, and moments of pure joy. We pride ourselves on our ever-evolving menu, offering classic favorites and introducing new, exciting flavors to surprise and delight our guests.
Using ice cream as the platform, we pioneer and share experiences that inspire and connect us all.
Position Summary:
The Regulatory & QA Intern will support our Central Kitchen team in strengthening the systems that ensure our ingredients and packaging meet food safety and regulatory standards. This is a hands-on, project-based internship focused on supplier documentation, compliance tracking, and audit readiness.
Working closely with the Regulatory Compliance Manager and Quality Assurance team, this role will take ownership of a defined project to assess, organize, and improve supplier documentation systems. The intern will review and structure documentation across a large supplier network, identify gaps, and develop a tracking system to support ongoing compliance and visibility.
This work directly supports audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and the continued scaling of our food safety systems, while providing the intern with practical, real-world experience in quality assurance and regulatory processes within a manufacturing environment.
Essential Functions:
- Conduct a structured review of supplier documentation for ingredient and packaging vendors, including cataloging records and assessing completeness and accuracy
- Identify missing, expired, outdated, or duplicate documentation and document findings clearly
- Organize supplier documentation into a standardized, accessible file structure to support audit readiness and ongoing maintenance
- Develop and maintain a master tracking tool to monitor supplier documentation status, including expiration timelines and gaps
- Analyze documentation trends and support prioritization of follow-up actions for incomplete or non-compliant records
- Partner with the Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance team to ensure alignment with SQF and internal food safety standards
- Prepare a summary of findings, including key risks, gaps, and recommendations for improving document control processes
- Deliver final project outputs, including a supplier documentation tracker, organized file system, gap analysis summary, and final presentation outlining findings and recommendations
- Communicate progress, ask questions, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners, demonstrating thoughtful curiosity and attention to detail
QualificationsJoining Our Team
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an undergraduate program (e.g., Oregon State University) pursuing a degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field
- Prior academic or hands-on exposure to food safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, or manufacturing environments preferred, but not required
- Experience working with data, spreadsheets, or organized documentation (through coursework, projects, or internships) preferred
- Exposure to manufacturing or food production environments is a plus
Knowledge and Critical Skills:
- Foundational understanding of food safety, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance concepts
- Strong attention to detail and ability to review large volumes of information with accuracy
- Organizational skills with the ability to structure and maintain clear, accessible documentation systems
- Analytical thinking skills, including the ability to identify gaps, inconsistencies, and trends in data
- Ability to work independently and create structure in ambiguous or undefined processes
- Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for project outcomes
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
- Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize work across a defined project
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional partners and ask thoughtful questions
- Curiosity and interest in learning how systems and processes support food safety and production
- Fluency in English
Wage Transparency:
We are actively embracing pay transparency by disclosing the hiring wage for this role as $20.00 / hourly.
Food Allergy Warning
This position requires working in an environment where common food allergens, such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, and seafood, are present. If you have severe allergies, please take this into consideration when applying. Reasonable accommodations are available to support individuals with disabilities.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
Salt & Straw fosters an inclusive workplace where all team members and applicants are treated fairly, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected status. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all. If you are a U.S. applicant with a disability and need assistance or a reasonable accommodation to apply, please contact our Talent team at people@saltandstraw.com.
Work Authorization and E-Verify
We participate in E-Verify to confirm work authorization but do not use this process to pre-screen applicants. Qualified candidates with criminal histories are also considered in accordance with applicable laws.
Our Values
Create the Unbelievable
Show Up Generously
Act with Thoughtful Curiosity
Share Human Kindness
Make It Count
These values are the sprinkles on top, guiding us to create happiness through moments of wonder in every scoop, smile, and shared moment. They form the foundation of our brand and shape the culture of our workplace.
