Quality Assurance Specialist

Primary Purpose

Performs and verifies quality and food safety program activities to support facility compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), and prerequisite programs. Independently conducts monitoring, documentation review, and pre-shipment review of associated programs and products to ensure adherence to established quality and food safety standards. Serves as a technical resource for Quality Assurance Technicians by providing guidance and training support without formal supervisory authority. Supports Quality Assurance Supervisors with pre-operational inspections, end-of-shift and lot monitoring, and records review activities. Builds technical knowledge and broadens experience across quality systems and processes in preparation for future career progression opportunities.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

1. Independently performs and verifies GMP, HACCP, SSOP, and Prerequisite Program monitoring. Conducts swab verification of equipment during pre-operational inspections. Reviews Quality Assurance and Production records for accuracy, completeness, and timeliness, and completes pre-shipment reviews of associated programs.
2. Participates in projects and continuous improvement initiatives that support safety, quality, productivity, and cost objectives. Assists with assigned improvement projects, cross-functional problem-solving, and quality-related initiatives. Identifies opportunities for process improvement and shares recommendations with management. Expands technical knowledge and experience through cross-training and exposure to broader quality systems and processes.
3. Ensures that inspection results are recorded in the appropriate system or form and clearly communicated to Processing and Quality Assurance management for publication in the consolidated quality reports (SSOP reports daily, Public Health Record (PHR) reports monthly, Total Quality System (TQS) report). Assists in investigating and correcting quality-related issues, including customer complaints, in collaboration with other departments.
4. Provides technical guidance and training support to QA Technicians while reinforcing GMPs and quality standards. No formal supervisory authority.
5. Responsible for personal safety and health; supports team safety and health awareness, safe work practices, and incident prevention activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, or a related Life Science field; or equivalent combination of education and experience in food processing, quality assurance, HACCP, or quality control.
• 1 - 2 years' food processing, QA, HACCP, or Quality Control experience.
• HACCP certification or willingness to obtain.
• Knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, SSOPs, and food safety programs.
• Strong communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Process control training a plus.

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