Quality Assurance Specialist

JOB OVERVIEW: The Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for ensuring our dairy products meet established standards of quality, including reliability, usability, and performance. This position is key in developing and implementing quality control tests, identifying issues, and recommending solutions to improve processes and products and will implement and administer programs that ensure the safety, quality, legality, and regulatory compliance of Straus products.

SCOPE: Oversee all quality assurance processes from raw material inspection to final product release, ensuring compliance with organic standards by conducting regular audits, and collaborating closely with supply chain, logistics, and production teams to implement best practices that consistently meet or exceed quality, safety, and regulatory standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Plan, develop, write, organize, implement and review all quality and product development documentation, including but not limited to operational procedures, validation documentation, work instructions, and training materials to identify deficiencies and maintain content continuity, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.
• Investigate and respond to corrective actions related to document control, training, and internal/external standards.
• Review and update SOPs, manufacturing and production records, including the QMS (Quality Management System), at required or requested to reflect new or revised company practices and regulatory changes.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with internal and external customers to determine documentation requirements and coordinate documentation change requests.
• Support compliance with internal and external audits and customer requirements, including SQF, ensuring timely responses to documentation requests for maintaining certifications.
• Conduct regular internal audits, document findings, and follow up on non-conformance using out-of-specification procedures and thorough review of corresponding laboratory test results.
• Create and issue Certificates of Analysis for finished manufactured goods.
• Effectively and efficiently manage assigned department records, both physical and electronic, including data from trials, end-of-shelf life studies, and other regulatory and internal projects.
• Support FSQA initiatives through documentation development and review, project management, trend analysis, and dashboarding.
• Support company and SCC-level training activities, including mock-trace exercises, regulatory compliance, and audits.
• Assist in maintaining and developing programs to achieve and maintain Global Food Safety Initiative certification.
• Supervises Supplier Approval Program
• Maintain equipment calibration and instrumentation in all areas of responsibility

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all quality management system regulations and guidelines, all food and dairy industry, regulatory, and any/all other applicable standards including: HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points), FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act), Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), and US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and ensure the enforcement of these as they pertain to QA/QC/Ops team
• Consistently comply with all health, occupational safety, food safety and quality, and security requirements that are communicated to you, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and all Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and processes, whether established by the company, Safety Manager, Quality leadership or by law, and consistently ensure the enforcement of these cross functionally
• Consistently work in a safe manner and comply with all health, safety, security and emergency requirements that are communicated, whether established by the Company or by law, as well as ensure the enforcement of these as they pertain to the QA/QC/Ops team
• Comply with all Company policies communicated through your Employee Manual, training, notice boards or other postings, or by a member of management
• Immediately communicate any/all food safety or occupational safety hazards concerns, and workplace accidents or near misses to Safety Manager or other member of leadership

General Functions

• Maintain high quality work ethic and excellent attendance
• Participate in weekly team meetings, biweekly huddles, safety meetings and other meetings as requested
• Assist with the communication of companywide sustainability goals to Quality team and manage resources to ensure that sustainability goals are met or exceeded
• Ensure areas of responsibility are kept neat and clean, communicating any safety hazards or non-compliance issues immediately to a member of management
• Must comply with other duties, as requested

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in food science or other related science or field, preferred
• 3 years of experience in food safety and quality assurance document control in dairy processing or food manufacturing environment, with demonstratable skills
• Extensive knowledge of programs that manage compliance including but not limited to internal audits, holds management, supplier non-conformance, Food Safety Culture program, and consumer complaint management
• Proficient level food safety technical knowledge, including demonstrated knowledge of documentation, allergens, HACCP, FSMA, SQF, and other food regulations
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills, required to communicate appropriately and effectively cross-functionally, with external customers and regulatory agencies to determine documentation requirements
• Proficient IT competency in Microsoft Suite (including Teams), smart technology (iOS), and using Quality Systems (such as LIMS, RedZone etc.), highly desirable
• Passion for organics industry, sustainability, and responsible business, preferred
• Management of concurrent projects and initiatives and meeting defined deliverables, goals, and timelines
• Ability to communicate in Spanish, preferred but not required
• This is a key quality position. Flexibility to work different shifts when needed, to be on call after hours, and to work weekends and all holidays is required

COMPETENCIES

• Dedicated. Performs with high level of professionalism, integrity, and positive disposition
• Demonstrates determination and persistence while treating others with respect
• Consistently exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills
• Possesses strong listening skills and exceptionally strong attention to detail
• Resourceful and creative problem solver that is able to work with limited or ambiguous direction
• Proactive. Overcomes obstacles and demonstrates a sense of urgency in achieving objectives
• Communicates clearly/promptly with diverse workforce, maintaining a respectful/positive work environment
• Ability to gain trust and buy-in through positive and influential style
• Efficient management of multiple tasks and maintaining records
• Makes recommendations to continuously improve procedures, methods, etc.
• Demonstrates adaptability by reacting appropriately to unexpected changes and pressure
• Consistently looks for ways to improve oneself through growth and development opportunities, remaining current with emerging industry regulations
• Understands how own actions impact individual/team KPIs
• Ability and willingness to promote appropriate change and improvement

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work on a computer and look at a computer screen for extended periods of time. This position requires computer approximately 65% of the time
• Full organoleptic (sight, smell, taste) as well as audio and vocal senses are required to evaluate and make sound decisions on product quality and production processes
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment
• Frequent periods of sitting, turning the head and torso, bending and flexing the arms, legs, wrists, hands, fingers.
• Frequent periods of standing, walking, climbing stairs, on varied, sometimes uneven terrain, dirt, pavement, floors.
• The ability to climb and balance is essential
• Working in cold, wet, humid environments
• Ability to work in high allergen environments
• Ability to withstand noise produced by manufacturing/warehouse machinery up to 90 decibels
• Ability to withstand temperatures ranging from -20 to 110 Fahrenheit
• Ability to lift, hold and/or carry 30 pounds, unassisted

Above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and not construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

Straus is an equal opportunity employer. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Straus Family Creamery, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Founded in 1994, Straus Family Creamery is a mission-driven, family-owned-and-operated business dedicated to making premium organic dairy products, with minimal processing. The Straus Dairy Farm and Creamery, located in the small town of Marshall on the Northern California Coast, was the first certified organic dairy farm west of the Mississippi River and the first 100% certified organic creamery in the United States.
In addition to the Straus Dairy Farm, Straus Family Creamery buys certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified milk from 11 other organic family farms in Northern California’s Marin and Sonoma Counties. The combination of rich soil, one of the nation’s most diverse grassland systems, and a mild coastal climate create the ideal setting for organic dairy farming. Land stewardship and sustainable farming are deeply rooted principles in certified organic farming practices.

Pay: $28 - $31.25 / hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Other

Job Type: fulltime

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Day shift

Education: Bachelor's degree

Work location: On-site