Quality & Food Safety Auditor

Chiquita Brands•Freeport, TX

11h

About The Position

The Quality & Food Safety Auditor supports the Quality and Food Safety department by analyzing quality processes and output related to Chiquita products, including pineapples and bananas. The role evaluates fruit quality, processes, systems, and product information; identifies potential improvements; and provides business-related information to the respective Chiquita businesses. The auditor manages inspections of incoming and outgoing banana and pineapple shipments at Chiquita distribution centers and transfer hubs, assessing characteristics such as temperature, appearance, size, and weight that may affect customers and consumers. This is an exempt position within the Quality Assurance Department responsible for quality control. Its primary duties are to inspect fruit, collect and analyze data, communicate findings, and prepare reports for management while supporting the employer’s business operations and its customers. The role includes discretion and independent judgment in matters of significance.

Requirements

Minimum 1–3 years of related experience in quality control of fresh fruit.
Fundamental knowledge of the fresh fruit business.
Proven analytical skills resulting in effective decision-making.
Demonstrated problem-solving capability.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to multitask and maintain a sense of urgency.
Ability to prioritize duties in a changing environment while meeting business objectives.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within teams and at all levels of the organization.
Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
Ability to travel occasionally to visit customers, attend training, and address other quality contingencies.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Conduct regular quality inspections of fruit arriving at Chiquita distribution centers and/or customer locations.
Make independent decisions about commodity quality, audit the commodity lifecycle, assess loads, farms, and source countries for purchases, and make recommendations; accept or reject loads based on inspection results.
Provide timely feedback to the Quality Division, Sourcing and Sales Department, and other Supply Chain stakeholders so corrective action can be taken and customer issues avoided.
Ensure accuracy of statistical data collected and communicated.
Collaborate periodically with other Quality auditors, coordinators, and inspectors to ensure inspection accuracy, and educate customers and consumers about fruit quality requirements, conditions, defects, defect severity, and proper inspection practices.
Maintain timely information updates and reports for respective customers and businesses.
Manage quality information tools used to analyze product, transportation, and other parameters that may affect product or system quality.
Track and follow up on quality resolutions and ensure they comply with customer and Chiquita Quality policies and procedures.
Investigate potential causes and actions for quality-related issues, including reviewing information collected from various sources.
Generate weekly Quality reports.
Provide administrative support as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.