Regulatory and Compliance Specialist

C.H. Guenther•Elk Grove, CA

About The Position

The Regulatory and 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 applicable regulatory, customer, and certification requirements; administers the plant’s SQF program to maintain certification readiness; and assists with annual SQF certification audits. The specialist reviews the SQF Manual and supporting documentation at least annually, coordinates updates to procedures and work instructions, verifies documentation is accurate and current, communicates changes to relevant departments, and follows up on corrective actions and food safety and quality initiatives. Working with the QA Manager and cross-functional teams, the specialist provides technical and administrative support for food safety programs, audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and continual improvement. The position also trains employees, conducts mock recalls and internal audits, maintains supplier approval records and daily SQF paperwork, and provides technical quality and food safety information for customer requests and surveys. The role may occasionally require directing helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns, or temporary employees, though it has no formal supervisory responsibilities. Work involves sitting, standing, walking, climbing and descending steps, and other physical activities, including lifting up to 35 pounds. The employee may encounter cool and warm 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 and requirements.
SQF Certified Practitioner experience.
Experience with HACCP, SQF, and HARPC.
HARPC/PCQI certification.
SQF Implementation and Auditing certification.
SQF Internal Auditing training.
Ability to manage 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 communicate and manage project needs across functions and interact with all management levels.
Ability to multitask, work under pressure and time constraints, and adapt to changing priorities.
Strong organizational, communication, analytical, time-management, attention-to-detail, and mathematical skills.
Problem-solving, training, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
Excellent teamwork and self-motivation.
Computer literacy, including Word and Excel, and ability to learn and use the company ERP system.
Strong follow-through, integrity, and sound judgment.
Flexibility to work off-shifts as needed, including weekends.
Ability to perform essential job functions in a consistently alert and safe manner.
Ability to adhere to a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy and follow food safety and third-party certification policies.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for most of the shift; walk and stand on hard surfaces; climb and descend steps; bend, kneel, squat, stoop, reach, pull, push, and lift up to 35 pounds.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Support the QA Manager with quality assurance activities related to food safety and quality programs.
Enforce company rules, policies, and procedures.
Develop and implement SQF programs with the QA Manager, including HACCP, food safety, food quality, and food defense plans.
Maintain food safety and SQF program compliance and certification readiness.
Maintain supplier approval records and compliance documentation.
Manage and maintain daily SQF documents and paperwork.
Conduct food safety and quality training for new and current employees, as well as other required SQF training.
Review the plant SQF Manual at least annually and ensure associated sub-elements and registers are updated.
Prepare for and assist with annual SQF certification audits.
Provide management and operations with 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 food safety problem-solving activities.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies including GMPs, and standard operating procedures.
Reassess and revalidate process procedures when processes or products change.
Coordinate 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.
Demonstrate, promote, and exemplify the company’s core values.
Perform other duties as assigned.