Quality Systems Specialist - Tipton (74151)

Job Summary

Lead Ventura Coastal in maintaining all systems relating to Regulatory, Food Safety, Quality Systems, and Customer Satisfaction.  Ensure all regulatory, customer, or other needs are communicated to the company and followed up on for completion and satisfaction.  Drive quality systems compliance with each department within VC LLC.  

In the absence of the Quality Systems Specialist, the Food Safety and Quality Systems Manager will be responsible for their job tasks and may delegate job tasks to staff as needed.  

This position reports directly to the Food Safety and Quality Systems Manager. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Food Safety is the responsibility of all Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees. All Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees must be aware of CCPs in their area and how to document them appropriately.  All staff must report food safety and quality problems to their immediate supervisor in charge during their shift.
• Continuously improve and sustain all SQF quality systems.  Provide leadership to raise and promote the visibility of the company’s quality systems.
• Acts as the SQF Practitioner for the company and in doing so are:
  • Familiar with the SQF Code for the scope of certification
  • Responsible for maintaining compliance with the applicable modules of the SQF code. 
  • Responsible for validating changes to food safety fundamentals and food safety plan
  • Responsible for verifying food safety fundamentals and food safety plan (including CCPs)
  • Develop, update, review, and modify SQF Systems implementing changes as needed; always uphold the integrity of SQF systems.
  • Responsible for communicating to relevant personnel all information for effective implementation and maintenance.
  • Responsible for annual review and update of all SQF systems documents, publications of updates, and maintenance of master document register
• Manage Organic, Kosher and Halal certifications.
• Update all quality systems as required, such as:  HACCP, Recall Plan, GMP’ s, Supplier verification, Supplier approval, Food defense, Food fraud, Glass and Brittle Plastic Policy, CAPA Program, Allergen Management, any other prerequisite programs as needed, etc.
• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulatory bodies including but not limited to CDPH, USDA and FDA
• Interface with all food safety/compliance agencies.  Responsible for non-compliance responses and corrective actions.  
• Organize and facilitate customer & regulatory audits and inspections as well as supplier audits. 
• Manage packing house auditing program by actively monitoring annual fruit volumes and scheduling and leading audits as necessary. 
• Monitor and contribute to new food safety regulations, interfacing with food safety personnel and regulatory/compliance agencies by attending symposiums, conferences, etc., Participate in and become an expert on food safety trends staying ahead of customer requirements.
• Serves as HACCP team leader for individual processing plants.
• Promote quality systems/food safety program by conducting GMP audits, creating training, providing plant feedback, etc.
• Manage the document control index by tracking all SOPs, Forms, and Work aids and providing document control numbers to new policies as needed. This includes management of the document repository located in SharePoint. 
• Authors standard operating procedures to ensure consistent execution of food safety and quality systems processes. 
• Addresses Food Safety and Quality Systems related customer requests, questionnaires and surveys in a timely manner. 
• Must be comfortable and capable of communicating and training plant employees  and new employees on orientation materials as well as additional food safety  training as needed
• Assist in change management and internal food safety consulting on plant projects affecting product processes.  
• Demonstrate commitment to safety by adhering to all PPE, personal and plant safety regulations.
• Participates in and supports company safety initiatives. 
• Demonstrate reliable attendance, consistent punctuality and a positive attitude always.
• Act professionally towards customers, visitors and vendors.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in scientific or food related discipline is preferred, though equivalent industry experience will be considered.
• Two (2) years leadership experience in a food processing or manufacturing environment 
• HACCP certification is required
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Products: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint,  Video & Teleconferencing software
• Train the Trainer certification is preferred.
• Ability to work independently while operating in a team setting.  
• Great verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to clearly articulate thoughts, plans and proposals.
• Ability to utilize various Root Cause Analysis tools and organize/ lead RCA sessions as necessary.
• SQF Practitioner training is preferred.
• Internal Auditor Training preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, reach and move about a laboratory and production facilities in normal ambient temperatures. Some lifting of up to 25lbs. may be required. The ability to meet flexible and changing priorities and the ability to work under pressure is necessary.  Travel between facilities will be required.  Available on a 24/7 basis to deal as necessary with any Quality related issues, training needs or off-hours inspections.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.