Food Safety & Quality Assurance Specialist

Gellert Global Group consists of many of the leading North American food importing companies (Atalanta Corporation, Camerican International, Finica, Tipico Cheese Products) and has been involved in importing food products for over 100 years. The combined revenues of GGG exceed $1 billion. GGG companies provide strength in sourcing, insurance, finance, logistics, food safety and information technology, and supplies the needs of retailers, distributors, foodservice chains, hotels, cruise lines, and food manufacturers alike.

GGG is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Food Safety and Quality Assurance Specialist to contribute to our success by working with our FSQA team to ensure our foreign and domestic supply partners fully comply with all regulatory mandates and customers’ requirements. This is a hybrid role based in Paramus, NJ.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Manage and maintain GGG’s Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) and Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance Program for assigned suppliers.
• Conduct Supplier Risk Assessments and review Food Safety and Quality Assurance documents for assigned existing and potential suppliers.
• Audit foreign and domestic manufacturing facilities and perform verification activities.
• Review 3rd party lab testing results, Certificates of Analysis, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Monitor suppliers’ performance by regularly inspecting products, reviewing food quality and safety documents, and tracking customers’ feedback.
• Collaborate with internal departments and suppliers to assist with customer Food Safety and Quality Assurance documentation requirements.
• Communicate with customers regarding food safety and/or quality concerns.
• Work closely with foreign and domestic suppliers to resolve any food safety and/or quality control issues.
• Manage and resolve customer complaints; work with suppliers to find root causes and implement corrective/preventive actions.
• Create, update, and review product specifications; evaluate customer’s and supplier’s specifications to ensure compliance.
• Continuous upkeep of FSQA documentation database.
• Conduct product evaluations for sensory, physical, and chemical analysis.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Biology or related field
• 5 years of experience in a related role within the food industry
• Experience with GFSI audit schemes; knowledge of social audits is a plus
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of FSMA, HARPC, and FSVP requirements
• Knowledge and practical experience in general food manufacturing; food microbiology and frozen fruit experience is preferred
• HACCP, PCQI, FSVP certified; BPCS certified is a plus
• Experience with Product Recall, Import Alerts, and other Regulatory issues preferred
• Proficiency in MS Office; knowledge of Trace Gains is a plus
• Effective and professional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills
• Highly detailed oriented, excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Ability to work well within a team and independently
• Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to travel (up to 15%) domestically and internationally

Our Benefits:

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role.

• Health: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, Company-paid life, accident, and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts
• Wealth: Competitive pay, annual bonus opportunity, matching 401(k) with immediate vesting upon enrollment, generous employee referral program
• Happiness:
• Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, education assistance program
• Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work schedules (subject to your location and role)
• Team Building: Employee engagement and recognition programs, wellness, philanthropic and DE&I initiatives, Company-sponsored celebrations, and team-building events

The Gellert Global Group of companies is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state, or local law. Gellert Global Group is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact hr@gellertglobalgroup.com.