Job at a glance
Job Title: Quality Assurance Specialist Job Description The Quality Assurance Specialist supports and strengthens food safety and product quality within a manufacturing facility. This role reviews and maintains compliance with the factory Food Safety Plan, collaborates closely with shift supervisors and plant leadership to promote a strong food safety and quality culture, and ensures adherence to all relevant policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
The specialist conducts testing, leads corrective action activities, and contributes to continuous improvement in food safety and quality systems. Responsibilities Review and ensure ongoing compliance with the factory Food Safety Plan, including HACCP requirements. Partner with shift supervisors and plant management to promote a strong Food Safety and Quality Culture through daily coaching and scheduled training.
Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures related to Food Safety and Quality, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), sanitation and housekeeping, and equipment and facility maintenance. Enforce GMP compliance through coaching and appropriate interventions for production supervisors, factory employees, contractors, and visitors. Ensure adherence to company Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Work Instructions (WI), including accurate documentation completion, control, and retention.
Conduct Food Safety and Quality testing as needed, such as environmental swabbing and metal detector challenge tests. Initiate, investigate, communicate, and follow through on corrective actions for food safety and quality non-compliances, maintaining a corrective action tracking system to ensure timely resolution. Investigate consumer complaints, identify root causes, and support implementation of preventive measures.
Support audit and inspection activities by providing documentation, data, and explanations related to food safety and quality systems. Contribute to continuous improvement of quality assurance processes, documentation practices, and food safety controls. Essential Skills Bachelor of Science degree, or equivalent work experience with a minimum of 2 years in a production environment. At least 1 year of experience working in a food manufacturing environment.
Knowledge of HACCP principles and their application in a manufacturing setting. Experience in quality assurance, quality control, and batch record review within a production or laboratory environment. Ability to perform and interpret food safety and quality testing, including swabbing and metal detector challenges. Strong document control skills, including managing completion, control, and retention of SOPs, work instructions, and quality records.
Demonstrated technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail. Proven ability to work effectively with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment. Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel). Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly document findings and communicate with diverse stakeholders.
Additional Skills & Qualifications Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) certification preferred. SQF Practitioner credentials preferred. Basic statistical skills for analyzing quality and process data. Experience working in laboratory or testing environments related to food safety or quality. Ability to successfully collaborate with team members and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
Self-starter mindset with reliability and a commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety and quality. Work Environment This position operates in a food manufacturing facility on a first-shift schedule. The role alternates weekly between Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., and Tuesday–Saturday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. The environment is fast-paced and production-focused, requiring consistent adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices, s