Food Safety & GMP Quality Assurance Consultant Part time (Remote)

Pace® Analytical Services•Frederick, MD

22d•$63 - $77•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking experienced Quality Assurance Consultants to support food, dietary supplement, ingredient, packaging, and consumer product manufacturers in achieving and maintaining compliance with Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements. The ideal candidate has a strong background in food quality systems, regulatory compliance, supplier qualification, auditing, and food safety program development. This role provides the opportunity to support clients across the food and consumer products industries, helping organizations strengthen quality systems, prepare for regulatory inspections, implement food safety programs, and maintain compliance with applicable FDA and industry requirements. This is an evergreen posting for future positions within our team. If you would like to be considered during the next round of hirings and have the qualifications, please apply. This is a PRN role with expected hours to be between 15-20 hours per week.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, Quality Assurance, or a related discipline.
15+ years of Quality Assurance, Food Safety, or Regulatory Compliance experience within food, beverage, dietary supplement, ingredient, or consumer product manufacturing.
Strong knowledge of: FDA Food Regulations, FSMA, 21 CFR Part 117, HACCP Principles, GMP Requirements, Food Safety Management Systems.
Experience conducting internal, supplier, contract manufacturer, and third-party audits.
Experience implementing and maintaining GFSI-recognized programs (SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, or equivalent).
Strong understanding of risk assessment, root cause analysis, CAPA development, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Proven experience supporting regulatory inspections and certification audits.
Excellent technical writing, communication, and client-facing skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple client engagements simultaneously.
HACCP or PCQI certification preferred.
Lead Auditor certification (SQF, BRCGS, ISO 22000, or equivalent) preferred.
Willingness and ability to travel as required (domestic U.S. and occasional international travel).

Nice To Haves

Food Safety Plan development and implementation
FDA inspection readiness assessments
Food facility registration and compliance programs
Supplier qualification and auditing
Mock FDA inspections
Sanitation program evaluations
Environmental monitoring programs
Allergen control programs
Quality Management System implementation
Training and coaching of QA and production personnel

Responsibilities

Conduct assessments and audits of food manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, distribution, and ingredient supplier operations.
Evaluate compliance with FDA food regulations, food GMP requirements, and industry food safety standards.
Perform gap assessments against applicable regulations and standards, including: 21 CFR Part 117 (Preventive Controls for Human Food), 21 CFR Part 111 (Dietary Supplements), as applicable, FSMA requirements, HACCP principles, GFSI-recognized standards (SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, IFS).
Develop and improve Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS).
Review and author SOPs, quality procedures, food safety plans, hazard analyses, and preventive control programs.
Support clients during FDA inspections, customer audits, certification audits, and regulatory responses.
Investigate quality events, complaints, deviations, nonconformances, and food safety incidents.
Review and assess CAPAs for adequacy, effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.
Support supplier qualification, vendor monitoring, and supplier auditing programs.
Provide training and coaching on GMPs, food safety requirements, HACCP, sanitation, documentation practices, and inspection readiness.
Prepare clear, concise reports, recommendations, and client deliverables.
Maintain current knowledge of evolving food safety regulations and industry best practices.