Regulatory and Compliance Specialist

C.H. Guenther & Son•Elk Grove, CA

2d•$66,000 - $105,600

About The Position

The Regulatory & Compliance Specialist supports the QA Manager in developing, implementing, maintaining, and enforcing Mi Rancho’s food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance programs, including the Safe Quality Food (SQF) program. The position helps ensure compliance with regulatory, customer, and certification requirements; oversees day-to-day administration of the plant’s SQF program to maintain certification readiness; and assists with annual SQF certification audits. The specialist conducts annual reassessments of the SQF Manual and supporting documentation, including required validations and reviews of work instructions, procedures, registers, and related records. The role coordinates updates to processes, procedures, and work instructions; verifies that program documentation is accurate, complete, current, and properly maintained; communicates changes to applicable departments; and follows up on corrective actions and assigned food safety and quality initiatives. In collaboration with the QA Manager and cross-functional teams, the specialist provides technical and administrative support to sustain effective food safety programs, audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and continual improvement. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in food science or an equivalent field, or five or more years of QA work experience, as well as at least five years of food manufacturing experience. It requires experience with USDA, FDA, or California Department of Food & Agriculture requirements; SQF practitioner experience; and experience with HACCP, SQF, and HARPC. Related certifications and training are specified in the requirements. The role may require working off-shifts and weekends as needed. Work involves regular sitting, standing, and walking, along with climbing steps, frequent bending and reaching, and lifting up to 35 pounds. The employee may be exposed to cool and hot temperatures and loud equipment noise.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in food science or an equivalent field of study, or five or more years of QA work experience.
At least five years of experience in food manufacturing.
Experience with USDA, FDA, or California Department of Food & Agriculture guidelines or requirements.
SQF Certified Practitioner experience.
Experience with HACCP, SQF, and HARPC.
HARPC/PCQI certification.
SQF Implementation & Auditing certification.
SQF Internal Auditing Training.
Ability to manage new and multiple projects from conception to commercialization.
Ability to work independently and cross-functionally, manage multiple projects and short timelines, and work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to multitask, work under pressure and time constraints, and adapt to changing priorities across multiple projects.
Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
Ability to interact with all management levels.
Excellent time-management and attention-to-detail skills.
Excellent analytical and mathematical skills and proficient problem-solving skills.
Training, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
Strong teamwork skills and self-motivation.
Computer literacy, including Word and Excel, and ability to learn and work with the company ERP system.
Strong follow-through, integrity, and sound judgment.
Flexibility to work off-shifts as needed, including weekends, to manage staff efficiently.
Ability to fulfill essential job functions while consistently alert and working safely.
Must adhere to a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy.
Ability to enforce, comply with, and follow food safety and third-party certification policies, including SQF, Gluten-Free, and Organic requirements.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish/English.
Experience working with Kosher, Organic, GFCO, and AIB/NSF programs.

Responsibilities

Support the QA Manager with QA activities related to food safety and quality programs.
Enforce company rules, policies, and procedures.
Develop and partner with the QA Manager on implementation of SQF programs, including HACCP, food safety, food quality, and food defense plans.
Maintain food safety and SQF program compliance and readiness.
Maintain supplier approval records and compliance documentation.
Manage and maintain daily SQF documents and paperwork.
Conduct food safety and quality training for new hires and current employees, including other required SQF training.
Conduct at least annual reviews of the plant SQF Manual and ensure associated sub-elements and registers are updated.
Prepare for and assist with annual SQF certification audits.
Support management and operations by providing technical quality and food safety data for customer requests and surveys.
Conduct mock recalls and internal audits.
Collect, review, and ensure proper completion of audit paperwork.
Lead and participate in problem-solving activities concerning food safety.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies including GMPs, and SOPs.
Reassess and revalidate associated process procedures and SOPs following implemented process or product changes.
Work with QA, Training, Process Systems, and Production personnel on changes to work instructions.
Communicate changes, modifications, and updates to managers, supervisors, leads, and other personnel.
Help keep personnel motivated, productive, and well informed.
Maintain professional employee relations and promote teamwork across departments.
Perform other duties as assigned.