Food Quality and Safety Specialist

Department: Operations

Reports To: VP of Operations

Position Overview:

Antone's Famous Po' Boys is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Food Quality and Safety Coordinator to oversee and maintain the highest standards of food safety, quality control, and sanitation across all our locations. This position will be responsible for ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal food safety regulations, managing quality control processes, and fostering a culture of food safety excellence within the team.

As part of our growing team, you will help maintain the high standards that our restaurant guests and consumers who shop at major Texas grocery retailers know and love. We offer competitive compensation, a positive and supportive work environment, and opportunities for growth within a rapidly expanding company!

Key Responsibilities:

· Ensures that all food safety, product quality and regulatory requirements exceed industry and customer standards, are implemented and in compliance with company standards and are being adhered to

o Conduct routine internal audits and review of all policies and programs including pre-operational sanitation inspections, GMP inspections, pest control inspections, etc. to ensure food safety practices are consistently followed.

o Perform daily review of food safety and quality records to ensure compliance and to recommend corrective actions in the process where indicated

· Ensure compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal food safety regulations, including but not limited to FDA.

· Maintain GFSI (SQF) certification – ensuring all requirements are current, exceed minimum requirements for the industry; documentation is current and correct, and employees are aware of the necessary requirements for their positions

· Develop, implement, and oversee food safety and quality training programs for our production, restaurant kitchens and front-of-house staff.

· Implement safety programs, including training, hazard identification, and emergency procedures to ensure employee safety, to comply with all applicable OSHA standards, including record keeping and reporting.

· Oversee sanitation procedures in all areas of production, kitchen and dining areas, ensuring all equipment, utensils, and surfaces are maintained to the highest cleanliness standards.

· Collaborate with suppliers to ensure that food products meet Antone's quality standards and safety requirements.

o Perform regular inspections of incoming goods for quality and safety.

· Manage routine sampling, inspection and evaluation of materials incoming raw material, work in process (WIP) and finished goods

· Coordinate routine microbiological testing in accordance with company defined protocols

· Support internal and external audits, as well as prepare information in response to upcoming audit needs

· Assist in the development of new products, process improvements and application of ingredients

· Work closely with operations, supply chain and logistics teams in the areas of quality program management, inspection coordination and testing requirements

Qualifications:

Education/Certifications:

· Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Regulatory Compliance or a related field or an equivalent work history in those disciplines desired.

Requirements

· Background in the areas of microbiology and food science, with a minimum of 3 years work experience in food safety, quality control, or a related field

· Ability to train and lead teams effectively in food safety and quality procedures.

· Ability to effectively articulate and present the company's Food Safety and Quality strategy as it relates to senior management, regulatory bodies, and customers

· Think independently to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

· Ability to formulate solutions from a broad perspective

· Maintain current knowledge of trends and changes affecting food safety and develop and recommend appropriate program changes to ensure governmental compliance

· Knowledge of product traceability required

· Comprehensive knowledge of HAACP and GMPs

· Proven experience in managing food safety audits and ensuring compliance with regulations

· Excellent verbal & written communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with employees and management.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and utilize job relevant software

· HACCP Certification and SQF Certification. PCQI desired

· Bilingual in Spanish

· This is a full-time, in-office position that requires working regular office hours at our production facility in Houston. While some flexibility may be offered for specific tasks, the coordinator will be expected to be present during standard business hours to collaborate with the team, coordinate events, and manage day-to-day operations, with the expectation some amount of time will be spent at our two restaurants in Central Houston.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about food safety and quality and want to contribute to the success of a well-loved, iconic brand, sold in major supermarket retailers and significant foodservice outlets across Texas, we invite you to apply!. Please submit your resume and cover letter to afernandez@antonestexas.com