Job Description
Job Description
JOB TITLE : Quality Specialist – SQF Practitioner
DEPARTMENT : Quality
REPORTS TO : Quality Assurance Manager
LOCATION : Onsite in Lincoln, RI
BENEFITS & PERKS :
Finlays is committed to supporting the career advancement and wellbeing of our employees. We offer a range of comprehensive benefits, including a wellness program, learning and development allowance, and opportunities for mentorship and job shadowing, designed to support both personal and professional growth. We encourage continuous learning, collaboration, and the exploration of new skills and career pathways, helping you build a global network and thrive within an inclusive, supportive environment in our organization.
Other employee benefits include :
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Company Matching
- Eligibility for Monthly / Annual Bonuses
- Paid Time Off (PTO) plus 10 Paid Holidays and Paid Volunteer Days Off
- Volunteer / Community Involvement
DESCRIPTION :
The Quality Specialist (QFSMS) reports to the site Quality Manager and is responsible for the delivery of the Quality and Food Safety system in support of Manufacturing and Operations, aligned to the Group Quality Strategy and program. The position shall ensure that the site’s Quality and Food Safety program is effective, delivers to the required regulatory and statutory standards (such as the FDA and HACCP), and meets and exceeds customer expectations in food safety and quality. The incumbent will engage with all site functions, facilitating the quality and food safety activities, and may engage externally with customers. The position requires good communication, leadership and influencing skills.
ABOUT US :
Since 1750, Finlays has been the trusted leader in supplying tea, coffee, and botanical extracts to the world’s leading beverage brands. Focused on delivering exceptional beverage solutions, we empower our customers to create moments of joy with every sip. Our team is built on values of long-term commitment, accountability, continuous improvement, and shared success. When you join us, you're not just taking on a job; you're becoming part of a customer-centric culture driven by collaboration, expertise, and innovation. If you're looking for a place to grow, share your ideas, and make an impact, we’d love to have you on our team.
RESPONSIBILITIES :
Responsibility for the development, implementation, execution, and improvement of quality systems delivery of the Quality and Food Safety Management System, including :
The maintenance, execution and improvement of quality and food safety documentation (including policies, standards, procedures / protocols and guidelines).The development, implementation, execution, and improvement of quality systems, focusing on consistent quality, food safety, allergen management, food defense and fraud (authenticity), and aligned to a GFSI certification (or equivalent).The development and delivery of the site audit program / schedule for internal, external, customer and all other audits on site, assuring compliance to the audit schedule.The management of all audit findings (non-conformances) through a non-conformance management program, engaging with functions to ensure effective and sustained closure of corrective actions, on time.Leading the Food Safety program, as the Food Safety Team Leader, and ensuring compliance to the site food safety program, through the annual food safety risk assessments, or as required.Leading the management systems between the Quality and functional teams required, such as documentation and record keeping, non-conformance management, customer complaints management, audit programs, and incident management.Preparing the Quality and Food Safety meeting calendar and schedule for the year with all functions / departments, including the annual management review.Leading the Quality and Food Safety meetings and management review through the provision of site QFSM information such as audit status, non-conformances, cost of non-conformances, food safety incidents and pre-requisite program status (suppliers, pest control, pesticide management and hygiene). This should be done through graphs, pivot charts and tables, in PowerPoint.Leading site audits and inspections, ensuring the that the audit process is followed (audit notification, audit reports, and capturing and closing audit findings).The verification of the corrective and preventative actions on site for Quality and Food Safety issues (audit findings, non-conformances) to ensure that they are sustained.Participating, and where appropriate leading Root Cause Problem Solving (RCPS) on site for quality and food safety related problem solving, driving compliance to the protocol, ensuring correct reporting, and implementing corrective actions.Supporting the food safety legal compliance of the site through the delivery of the required pre-requisite programs (pest control, pesticide compliance, legal register maintenance, and where agreed supplier management). This may include being the custodian of the legal register and assuring compliance to any process authority requirements.Supporting maintenance of external certifications for said Quality System and including other certifications such as consumer-focused qualifications (for example Organic, Fairtrade, RA) and religious qualifications (Kosher, Halal).Support reporting and recording requirements as required e.g., updating of Tier 2 / 3 boards.Supporting site Quality and Food Safety training.The management of Customer requirements for Quality and Food Safety through :
Ensuring customer-related technical requirements are integrated into the current Quality and Food Safety Management System.Using the Customer complaints system, to support trending and reporting customer complaints, to drive closure, and feedback to customers, as well as identify trends and root causes to ensure effective closure and elimination of complaints.Acting for the site Quality Manager in matters of Quality and Food safety as required.Providing contingency cover in the Quality Department as required.The incumbent may be called upon to support additional activities related to :
Coffee cupping and sensory evaluation.Support for laboratory activities.Participation in activities related to World Class manufacturing.QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS :
Bachelor’s Degree : Must be in a science-based field such as Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Technology, Food Science, or a related field.Industry Knowledge : Certified SQF Practitioner, PCQI qualified, HACCP (food safety) training (Level 3), certified internal auditor, lead auditor certified (preferred), proficiency in TACCP and VACCP, exposure to quality and food and beverage manufacturing environment, regulatory and legal awareness of Food Safety Legislation (FDA / USDA), exposure to root cause problem solving tools (preferred).Professional Experience : 1-2 years working experience in Quality and Food Safety Systems, ideally in a Food Safety Team Leader role.Other Working Experience : Experience in the food and beverage industry preferred. Strong working knowledge of microbiology.Technology : Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.) Strong knowledge in Quality and Food Safety Management systems.Leadership Skills : Ability to lead courageously in complex situations, agile in responding to new situations, strong planning and organizational skills, and a results-oriented and solution-driven mindset.Communication Skills : Excellent verbal and written communication skills and must be fluent in English. (Spanish bilingual preferred.)WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :
Warehouse Setting : The role is primarily based in a warehouse manufacturing environment with occasional use of the office area. Manufacturing area is a large space with industrial equipment that fluctuates in temperature. Office area has equipment such as computers, phones, and printers.Team Collaboration : Frequent interaction with team members and other departments, requiring effective communication and collaboration.Noise Level : The noise level in the work environment may be loud. The use of ear plugs will be required in specified areas.Sitting : Occasional periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Communication : Regularly required to talk and hear, both in person and over the phone.Mobility : Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.Lifting : May occasionally need to lift and / or move up to 10 pounds.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT :
Finlays Americas is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
