QA SPECIALIST

EILLIENS CANDIES INC•Ashwaubenon, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Summary / Objective Support the implementation and maintenance of the company’s Quality and Food Safety Management Systems to ensure compliance with SQF, FSMA, customer, and regulatory requirements. This role assists in maintaining quality programs, conducting investigations, supporting audit readiness, and ensuring production processes meet established food safety and quality standards. The QA Specialist works closely with the Quality Manager and QA team to promote food safety culture and continuous improvement throughout the facility. Essential Functions Serve as backup SQF Practitioner supporting the implementation and maintenance of SQF programs under the direction of the Quality Manager. Assist in maintaining HACCP plans and related food safety documentation as a member of the HACCP / Food Safety Team. Support routine Quality Assurance activities to ensure all required inspections, verifications, and monitoring activities are performed accurately and at required frequencies. Assist with the maintenance and internal auditing of Quality Management System programs, including CAPA, Recall Program, Consumer Complaints, Hold and Release, Environmental Monitoring, and Pest Management. Initiate and support investigations of out-of-specification results, process deviations, and quality incidents, including documentation of root cause and corrective actions. Support the CAPA system by documenting corrective actions, tracking completion, and verifying the effectiveness of implemented actions. Assist in developing and delivering training programs related to food safety, quality procedures, GMPs, and SQF requirements. Conduct routine facility inspections and plant walk-throughs to verify compliance with GMPs, SOPs, and company food safety expectations. Verify implementation of corrective actions on the production floor to ensure compliance with quality and food safety standards. Support preparation and participation in third-party audits, including SQF certification audits, regulatory inspections, and customer audits. Assist in reviewing production records and documentation to verify product quality attributes, including labeling accuracy, lot code verification, packaging integrity, and net weight compliance. Support product retrieval and recall activities as needed, including traceability verification and documentation review. Assist with verification of the facility’s pest control program, including review of service reports, monitoring records, and follow-up on corrective actions in coordination with the approved third-party provider. Serve as an active member of the facility's Food Safety Team and participate in food safety program reviews and updates. Promote and reinforce a strong food safety culture by supporting training, communication, and compliance with food safety practices throughout the facility.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of food safety and quality systems, including SQF, HACCP, and GMP requirements
Root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy
Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams
Ability to manage multiple priorities and investigations simultaneously
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality documentation systems
Ability to see, speak, and hear.
Typing is expected at least 75% of the work week.
Bachelor’s degree in food science, Biology, Microbiology, Nutrition, or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and relevant food safety or quality experience in a food manufacturing environment
HACCP Certification is required or the ability to obtain within the designated timeframe
3–5 years of experience in food safety or quality assurance in a food manufacturing environment
Experience supporting SQF or other GFSI audit programs strongly preferred

Nice To Haves

PCQI training preferred
SQF Practitioner certification preferred (ability to serve as backup practitioner)
Experience in confectionery, food manufacturing, or regulated food production environments preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as backup SQF Practitioner supporting the implementation and maintenance of SQF programs under the direction of the Quality Manager.
Assist in maintaining HACCP plans and related food safety documentation as a member of the HACCP / Food Safety Team.
Support routine Quality Assurance activities to ensure all required inspections, verifications, and monitoring activities are performed accurately and at required frequencies.
Assist with the maintenance and internal auditing of Quality Management System programs, including CAPA, Recall Program, Consumer Complaints, Hold and Release, Environmental Monitoring, and Pest Management.
Initiate and support investigations of out-of-specification results, process deviations, and quality incidents, including documentation of root cause and corrective actions.
Support the CAPA system by documenting corrective actions, tracking completion, and verifying the effectiveness of implemented actions.
Assist in developing and delivering training programs related to food safety, quality procedures, GMPs, and SQF requirements.
Conduct routine facility inspections and plant walk-throughs to verify compliance with GMPs, SOPs, and company food safety expectations.
Verify implementation of corrective actions on the production floor to ensure compliance with quality and food safety standards.
Support preparation and participation in third-party audits, including SQF certification audits, regulatory inspections, and customer audits.
Assist in reviewing production records and documentation to verify product quality attributes, including labeling accuracy, lot code verification, packaging integrity, and net weight compliance.
Support product retrieval and recall activities as needed, including traceability verification and documentation review.
Assist with verification of the facility’s pest control program, including review of service reports, monitoring records, and follow-up on corrective actions in coordination with the approved third-party provider.
Serve as an active member of the facility's Food Safety Team and participate in food safety program reviews and updates.
Promote and reinforce a strong food safety culture by supporting training, communication, and compliance with food safety practices throughout the facility.