FSQA - Food Safety Specialist

ACH Food Companies, Inc.•Summit, IL

About The Position

The FSQA - Food Safety Specialist is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of quality and food safety programs to be in compliance with Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA), SQF certification, and other requirements. Plant operations are Monday-Friday, with some Saturdays and possible, though rare, Sundays; three (3) shifts run from 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM, and 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Engineering, Science (Biology, Chemistry).
Must have strong working knowledge of FDA & GFSI (SQF, BRC, or FSSC 22000) food safety and quality standards.
At least 5 years of experience in the field of Food/Beverage Industry in roles for QA/Food Safety/SQF Practitioner
Experience working in an environment certified to GFSI benchmarked standard.
Strong computer skills (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, etc.)
ERP experience preferred
Experience in LIMS preferred
Certified SQF Practitioner – or ability to obtain certification within 6 months
Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) certification
HACCP certification (preferred)
Internal Auditor Certified – or ability to obtain certification within 3 months
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (preferred)
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
Ability to work in various adverse conditions such as tight or enclosed spaces, heights, and hot temperatures
Occasionally lift, push, pull or carry 20-30 pounds
Frequent bending, crouching, twisting, and going up ladders is required to perform inspections
Ability to walk and move extensively throughout a 400,000 sq. ft facility
Analytical skills
Skillful problem solving
Focus on safety and security
Good judgement and sound decision-making
Initiative for actions and responsibilities
Strong written and oral communications

Responsibilities

Support Plant Quality Manager in the management, maintenance, and implementation of Quality and Food Safety policies, SOPs, and work instructions to support compliance to SQF standards, corporate policies, and regulatory requirements.
Support SQF compliance by acting as Internal Auditor during monthly SQF Program Audits and weekly Housekeeping Inspections; Responsible for compiling non-conformances from audits and inspection to incorporate into CAPA program.
Manage facility Corrective Action and Preventive Action (CAPA) program by assigning CAPA owners, conducting root cause analysis, tracking completion status, assessing corrective action effectiveness, maintaining documentation, and escalating upwards to Corporate Quality team as necessary.
Support SQF audits through acting as site backup SQF practitioner and maintaining the knowledge base for local and corporate policies, procedure, and records to demonstrate compliance.
Manage site Environmental Monitoring Program through ensuring all samples are taken in accordance to schedule, ensure corrective actions and repeat swabs are taken when action levels are exceeded, track and trend results, and review effectiveness of program during Quality Management Reviews and KPI tracking.
Support Hold and Release, Traceability, and Recall programs through physically and electronically placing material on hold, ensuring all holds are documented appropriately, preparing reports on hold material, communicating hold to corporate and distribution teams, and supporting traceability and mock-recall exercises.
Prepare data for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the quality and food safety programs; Review KPI reports to identify trends and make recommendations for improvement activities.
Act as a leader for Food Safety Culture within the facility by supporting the T.R.U.S.T. initiative and through continuous training, coaching, guidance, and support of all levels of employees throughout the facility.
Complete or assist with special projects as directed by the Quality Manager.
Perform other duties as requested by Quality Manager.

Benefits

Comprehensive PPO Medical Plan
Dental Insurance
Free Vision Insurance
100% 401(k) Matching Program
Eleven (11) paid holidays per year
On-site Gym
Employees at ACH Food Companies, Inc. enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support you throughout your employment.
ACH offers a choice of two PPO medical plans with low deductibles and dental coverage.
Vision and Life Insurance are provided at no charge.
Employees have the opportunity to elect additional life insurance coverage as well as participate in a 401(k) with a company matching contribution.
Argo Plant employees receive uniforms and appropriate casual business wear with the ACH logo.
Argo Plant employees receive yearly safety shoe and safety eyewear reimbursement/credit for purchases.