SQF Practitioner

Summary:

This position is responsible for designing, implementing, training, and maintaining the SQF Food Safety systems, including sanitation, GMP & HACCP, and FSMA programs, as well as food defense, food fraud, allergen control, microbiological testing, and various certifications. This role has overall responsibility for the Food Safety functions of the company. Will act as the site's lead SQF Practitioner, overseeing the development, implementation, review, and maintenance of the SQF Certification under the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the development, implementation, review, and maintenance of the SQF System, including food safety fundamentals, and take appropriate action to ensure the integrity of the SQF System.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable food laws & regulations.

• Keep up to date with changes in regulations, food laws, pertinent legislation, and all other industry compliance issues that will impact our Food Safety & Quality programs; acting as necessary to maintain compliance and bring these to the attention of Senior Managers as necessary.

• Communicate to relevant personnel all information essential to ensure the effective implementation and maintenance of the SQF System.

• Lead and provide strong managerial oversight for projects, requests, and problem-solving initiatives, internally and externally, and with cross-functional teams.

• Research & qualify vendors through facilitation, training, and vendor audit programs, ensuring compliance with food safety and quality objectives.

• Approve & monitor chosen suppliers of products & packaging via vendor assurance and quality monitoring programs, including sampling, testing, and reporting on product quality.

• Set up, design, and conduct internal audits and monitor all in-process samples and finished products as per established quality methods.

• Recommend process improvements to reduce waste; conduct quality and food safety training; manage relations with outside labs; provide technical assistance for new products; develop specifications and standards for testing for new products; manage systems for control of non-conforming products.

• Provide in-depth analytical support in the areas of food safety, sanitation, and quality in support of the Company's strategic goal

• Accept, hold, or reject products, in-process samples, and finished goods.

• Maintain all necessary QA records and lead and prepare third-party audits and plant inspections with key customers and regulatory agencies.

• Maintain testing policies and procedures and ensure that testing logs are organized, maintained, and up to date.

• Act as a liaison to outside customers on quality system requirements and resolve product complaints and recalls.

• Effectively manage a lab staff, including but not limited to making employment decisions, promoting personal and professional development of team members, and training.

• Identify and lead food safety, SQF, and HACCP training programs for team members and other key employees

• Analyze industry trends and safety initiatives to develop alternative strategies to maintain and improve competitive position with key customers.

• Provide leadership to both the HACCP and Recall teams, including updating policies and procedures and all required documentation.

• Adhere to all environmental, health, and safety requirements and procedures.

• Responsible for food safety and quality.

• Other tasks as assigned.

Key Competencies:

• Highly motivated with the ability to work independently, prioritize, and meet strict deadlines.

• Extremely organized and detail oriented.

• Excellent verbal/written communication skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and can effectively delineate responsibilities to subordinates and departmental managers.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously

• Ability to make quick, educated decisions regarding product quality

• Demonstrated ability to manage employees and promote personal and professional development through coaching, training, and goal setting

• Self-starter with a demonstrated ability to get consistent results

• Demonstrated ability to select, analyze, and integrate safety and quality information to deliver business solutions in alignment with Company and customer strategies

Position Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in food science, Biological Science, or a related science discipline is highly desired.

• At least 2 years' experience in quality assurance at a food manufacturing facility.

• Quality experience in processing/packing/distribution environment.

• HACCP certification required.

• Proficient in computer skills in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Regular and reliable attendance.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Food Science, safety, quality, and compliance expertise, including expertise in interpreting and developing programs according to the code

• Demonstrated prior experience with analysis on a variety of quality metrics

• Experience and understanding of food ingredients, nutritional labels, governmental regulations, HACCP, and SQF

• Experience working with outside product testing companies, as well as the FDA and auditors of various food safety groups

• Demonstrated knowledge and application of food safety processes and theories of delivering value-added services and consumer solutions

• Strong understanding of product metrics such as packaging, shelf life, and quality

• Detailed and thorough record keeping and process documentation skills

Additional Information:

• FSQA Manager will serve as backup for all responsibilities of the SQF Practitioner