Quality Assurance & Compliance Specialist

Dairy Farmers of America•Joplin, MO

About The Position

The Quality Assurance & Compliance Specialist provides administrative and operational support to the Quality Assurance department, including interdepartmental communication on quality systems, document control, pest control, internal auditing, and special projects. The position supports continuous improvement of existing quality systems and works with operations employees and managers to address their needs. The specialist oversees document control and the Integrated Pest Management Program; supports food safety and quality programs, internal audits, non-conformance resolution, corrective actions, complaint investigations, CAPA, change control, audit follow-up, training materials, and HACCP plan updates; and assists with regulatory, customer, and certification audits. The role also tracks and trends quality data, supports environmental monitoring and sanitation as needed, contributes to packaging and raw-material specifications, and helps maintain safe, clean, and sanitary working environments. The stated schedule is 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with overtime as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Five years of lead or supervisory experience in quality control.
Leadership experience in a previous position.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Technical writing skills.
Ability to interact professionally with supervision and management.
Strong troubleshooting skills.
Detailed and focused approach to supporting decision-making.
HACCP certification or extensive knowledge of the HACCP system.

Nice To Haves

Scientific or analytical background.
Knowledge of SQF or other GFSI certifications.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with other departments and stakeholders on product quality matters.
Oversee the Document Control Program, including annual document reviews and review of documentation against food safety standards and customer requirements.
Develop and maintain an internal auditing system; issue and follow up on non-conformances and prepare, track, and trend related data for management.
Develop, enforce, and monitor food safety and quality programs and regulatory requirements, collaborating with plant managers and supervisors.
Identify gaps in quality systems and prioritize continuous improvement activities.
Support complaint investigations, CAPA, change control, audit follow-up, corrective actions, and corrective actions arising from hold dispositions.
Assist in creating policies, procedures, forms, and training materials to meet customer and regulatory requirements.
Review and update HACCP plans when regulatory requirements or customer expectations change.
Support the Environmental Monitoring Program and Sanitation Program as needed, including root cause investigations, follow-up, and corrections.
Support FDA, SQF, AIB, regulatory, customer, and Identity Preserved audits, including documentation retrieval and program dialogue.
Oversee the Integrated Pest Management Program; assist with KPI reporting and track and trend non-conformances for management.
Work on special projects, including packaging and raw-material specifications.
Improve training in skills required for the position and follow company policies, procedures, and rules.
Help maintain safe, clean, and sanitary working environments and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
Perform other assigned duties and work interdepartmentally with operations employees and managers.