Quality Assurance Specialist

At Häns Kissle, we strive to deliver the simple goodness of home in every bite. Founded in 1984, Häns Kissle began as the regional commissary for a small, high-end grocery chain in New England, MA, crafting fresh, upscale prepared foods and deli salads. Nearly 40 years later, we’re still in the kitchen in our 112,000 square foot facility, cooking up delicious foods with an uncompromising commitment to quality and service but now on a national level.

Purpose: The FSQA Specialist performs a variety of tasks to support the overall Food Safety Management System, including but not limited to, implementation of the Environmental Monitoring Program, conducting verifications and validations of the SQF System / Food Safety Plans, and driving continuous improvement of plant and FSQA systems.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Environmental Monitoring: Implementation of the site Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) includes, but is not limited to, collection and submission of routine and investigative environmental swabs and samples (surface, air and water), maintenance of the EMP and swab site list, management and documentation of results and corrective actions. Development of monthly trending reports on program implementation and results.
• Verification and Validation: Develop, execute, and oversee verification and validation activities for Preventive Controls (including CCPs), prerequisite programs, equipment, and systems.
• Regulatory Compliance:Ensure plant practices, SOPs and quality practices meet applicable regulatory and certification standards (e.g., FDA, ISO, GMP). Liaise with external auditors and regulatory bodies during inspections or audits.
• Training and support: Develops, implements, and improves food safety and quality related training for all plant departments. Assist in the development of training materials for new SOPs and quality control protocols. Promotes a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging employee engagement with SOP compliance and quality initiatives.
• Continuous Improvement: Identifies and lead initiatives for improving SOP effectiveness, compliance, and overall quality control practices. Work closely with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements that enhance quality, efficiency, and consistency.
• Departmental Support: Supports FSQA Management in day-to-day program implementation and monitoring.
• Data Management & Reporting: Collect and analyze quality data to assess the effectiveness of SOPs and the overall quality management system. Prepare and present reports on quality control performance, identifying trends and recommending corrective actions.
  
  

This role may require off-shift and weekend work for training and Department coverage purposes .

Qualifications And Education Requirements

• English: Ability to read and speak English fluently
• Team Player: Proven ability to work in a team and to collaborate with others
• Certifications: PCQI, HACCP, SQF, and Internal Auditing are preferred
• Software Skills: Intermediate level skills in email, Excel, and Word
• QC/QA Experience: 2-4 years’ experience in facility-based quality and food safety
• Education: B.S. in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or other related field
  
  

Work environment

• Lab/Office (50%): sample preparation and organization while standing and sitting; computer work while sitting down
• Plant (50%): refrigerated (40F) and wet environment
• Some lifting/bending
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Ability to lead by influence
• Knowledge of Environmental Monitoring Programs and practices
• Knowledge of applicable FDA and USDA regulations
• Knowledge of GFSI Schemes (SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000, etc)
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking Skills
• Analytical, critical thinking skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Proficient in quality management software and tools such as Redzone
  
  

Hans Kissle takes pride in its people and product. We strongly believe in our philosophy to uphold the highest level of integrity in everything we do. Each employee is expected to understand and act appropriately per our philosophy and policies. This job description reflects essential functions assigned by management which are subject to change at any time .

• STAFFING AGENCIES AND RECRUITING FIRMS - PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT HANS KISSLE FOR THIS ROLE**********