What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality & Food Safety Specialist position at Gourmet Foods International?
Job Details
Description
Job Overview
As a Quality & Food Safety Specialist, you will play a key role in ensuring a smooth transition from sanitation to production while assisting with the in-house food safety program. This position is essential in maintaining food safety, quality, and compliance with regulatory standards.
What does your day look like? Some of your duties may include:
• Sanitation Handoff & Pre-Operational Checks:
- Inspect production areas after sanitation to ensure they meet food safety and cleanliness standards.
- Conduct pre-operational checks, including visual inspections and sanitation validation (e.g., ATP swabs, microbial testing).
- Verify that equipment and surfaces are dry, residue-free, and ready for food handling.
• Food Safety Program Support:
- Assist in implementing and maintaining HACCP, GMPs, and sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs).
- Monitor and document critical control points, temperature logs, and allergen control measures.
- Help ensure proper storage and labeling of raw materials and finished products.
• Product & Process Monitoring:
- Communicates & verifies incoming and outgoing food products meet quality and safety standards through supplier verification.
- Assist in review of production & distribution documentation to ensure product traceability.
- Work with the Quality Control team to ensure corrective actions are taken when deviations occur.
• Compliance & Training Assistance:
- Maintain documentation required for internal and external audits (FDA, USDA, third-party certifications like SQF/BRC).
- Support employee training in food safety with the best practices and warehouse hygiene.
- Participate in mock recalls, traceability exercises, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Things you need to be able to do:
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures.
• Comfortable working in a cold storage environment and collaborating across departments.
• Good communication skills to coordinate between sanitation, production, and Quality Control teams.
• Problem-Solving: Analytical skills to identify compliance gaps and propose solutions.
Things that are a plus:
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or equivalent experience.
• Basic knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, and food safety regulations (training provided).
• Attention to Detail: Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in maintaining accurate records and documentation.
Why Join Us?
• Be a vital part of a team that prioritizes safety and compliance across our operations.
• Grow your skills with opportunities for professional development and on-the-job training.
• Work in a supportive environment with dedicated transportation and safety professionals.
• Competitive compensation package with benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans.
What we think you’ll love about Gourmet Foods International:
• Advancement Opportunities. We offer career advancement including college reimbursement. We want to see you grow with the company.
• Keeping if fresh. Learn new things every from new technology to innovative new products we distribute.
• Teamwork. Work on a team that supports each other.
What else can we offer?
Gourmet Foods Benefits include Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Short Term, Long-Term Disability, and accident insurance. We also offer 401(k) with matching contributions, Profit Sharing, Competitive Salaries, Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) – up to 30 days per year, Paid Holidays, Free College Tuition, PAID Parental Leave, Professional Development Programs, opportunity to grow within the Company, Discount, Referral Bonus.
GFI is a drug-free employer. You voluntarily consent to a pre-employment drug screen, and a background check will be required for the hiring process. Background checks can include but are not limited to previous employment, education, and criminal records.
Qualifications
