FSQ Internal Auditor

KETTLE CUISINE LLC•Savage, MD

13d•$90,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

The FSQ Internal Auditor plans and conducts objective internal audits of food-safety and quality programs across Kettle Cuisine sites. Based in Savage, Maryland, the role travels to sites quarterly to assess conformance with applicable Food Safety & Quality Plans, document evidence and findings, and verify the completion and effectiveness of corrective actions. The auditor provides practical feedback while preserving objectivity and promptly escalating significant risks. The role coordinates audit scope and criteria with the relevant Food Safety or Quality Programs Manager and avoids auditing work for which the auditor is directly responsible. It also identifies recurring themes and opportunities for system-level improvement across sites and between Quality and Food Safety Programs. As a leader within the Kettle Cuisine team, the employee is expected to model and support the company’s Core Values and safety culture, develop team members and their careers, promote accountability and performance, drive quality assurance and continuous improvement, and plan work, track results, and resolve issues.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Quality, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
Three or more years of experience in food manufacturing, FSQ, auditing, or a related technical role.
Formal internal-auditor training and working knowledge of food-safety and quality-system audit methods.
Strong observation, interviewing, documentation, and report-writing skills.
Ability to travel regularly and work independently at multiple sites.
Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive findings professionally and follow through on corrective-action verification.
Self-directed, with high integrity and sound judgment.
Positive and collaborative, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Organized and able to manage priorities, projects, and metrics in a fast-paced environment.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills appropriate to the role.
Willingness to address difficult situations with patience and respect.
Ability to provide after-hours support for critical issues when required by the role.
Enthusiasm for food and commitment to safe, high-quality products.

Nice To Haves

HACCP or PCQI training.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a risk-informed audit schedule covering assigned food-safety and quality programs across sites.
Conduct on-site audits at least quarterly using approved criteria and consistent methods; review records, observe practices, interview personnel, and document objective evidence.
Communicate findings clearly, distinguish observations from conclusions, and issue reports within agreed timelines.
Agree corrective-action owners and due dates with site leadership; track completion, review evidence, and verify effectiveness before recommending closure.
Escalate significant or overdue findings through established FSQ channels and maintain complete, controlled audit records.
Coordinate audit scope and criteria with the relevant Food Safety or Quality Programs Manager while avoiding audits of work for which the auditor is directly responsible.
Identify recurring themes and opportunities for system-level improvement across sites and across the network between Quality and Food Safety Programs.
Model and support Kettle Cuisine’s Core Values and safety culture.
Develop individual team members and their careers.
Create a culture of accountability and performance.
Drive a focus on quality assurance and continuous improvement.
Plan work, track results, and resolve issues.