Food Safety & QA Supplier Auditor
Summary
Audits food-safety vendors to ensure compliance with USDA/FDA rules and standards like SQF/BRC, travels up to 75% to conduct onsite assessments, and closes corrective actions.
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