Food Safety Specialist

Northwest Frozen LLC•Des Moines, WA

8d•$80,000 - $80,000

About The Position

The Food Safety Specialist is responsible for supporting and maintaining the company's food safety and quality systems to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, customer, and internal requirements. This role works closely with the QA Manager and cross-functional teams to implement food safety programs, monitor compliance, and promote a strong food safety culture throughout the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in food science, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
2–5 years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or a related role within a food manufacturing or processing environment
Working knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, sanitation programs, and food safety regulations
Strong attention to detail and documentation skills
Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and recommend corrective actions
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a USDA-regulated facility
Experience with meat or poultry processing and cooking operations, including lethality and critical control points related to thermal processing
Familiarity with USDA FSIS regulations and inspection processes
HACCP Certification
PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual)
FSSC 22000, SQF, BRCGS, or other GFSI-related training or experience

Responsibilities

Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of food safety programs, including HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs, and prerequisite programs
Monitor day-to-day food safety and quality activities to ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA, state, and local agencies, as applicable)
Conduct internal audits, inspections, and assessments to verify compliance with food safety programs
Assist with third-party audits and regulatory inspections, including preparation, participation, and follow-up on corrective actions
Investigate food safety and quality issues, including deviations, non-conformances, and customer complaints; lead or support root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions
Analyze data collected during inspections and audits to identify trends, root causes of issues, and opportunities for process improvements
Review and maintain food safety documentation, records, and reports
Facilitate training of employees on food safety, sanitation, and quality procedures
Collaborate with production, sanitation, maintenance, and supply chain teams to ensure food safety controls are effectively implemented
Stay current with food safety regulations, industry standards, and best practices