Company Overview

Ventura Coastal, the recognized West Coast citrus B2B leader, delivers highest quality citrus products with tailored solutions, speed and elevated customer service to industry giant beverage companies as well as niche marketers. We produce, process and package customized blends of orange, lemon, tangerine and grapefruit juices, oils, essences, pulp and peel products.

Over the last decade, acting with entrepreneurial business style practices, we have achieved transformational growth through strategic investment in production capabilities. This success has provided us the financial resources to invest in our next phase of growth and expansion. With Sales demands up for oil and juice, were on our way towards building the next iteration of transformational growth.

We are currently recruiting for an experience Quality Systems Specialist that would work both our Visalia and Tipton plants.

Job Summary

Lead Ventura Coastal in maintaining all systems relating to Regulatory, Food Safety, Quality, and Customer Satisfaction. Ensure all regulatory, customer, or other needs are communicated to the company and followed up on for completion and satisfaction. Drive quality systems compliance with each department within VCLLC. In the absence of the Quality Systems Specialist, the Food Safety and Quality Systems Manager will be responsible for their job tasks and may delegate job tasks to staff as needed. This position reports directly to the Food Safety and Quality Systems Manager.

Primary Responsibilities

• Food Safety is the responsibility of all Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees. All Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees must be aware of CCPs in their area and how to document them appropriately. All staff must report food safety and quality problems to their immediate supervisor in charge during their shift.

• Continuously improve and sustain all SQF quality systems in both processing plants. Provide leadership to raise and promote the visibility of the company’s quality systems.

• Acts as the SQF Practitioner for the company and in doing so is:

  • Familiar with the SQF Code for the scope of certification

  • Responsible for validating changes to food safety fundamentals and food safety plan

  • Responsible for verifying food safety fundamentals and food safety plan (including CCPs)

  • Develop, update, review, and modify SQF Systems implementing changes as needed; always uphold the integrity of SQF systems.

  • Responsible for communicating to relevant personnel all information for effective implementation and maintenance.

• Manage Organic, Kosher and Halal certifications.

• Update all quality systems as required, such as: HACCP, Recall Plan, GMP's, Pre-Op inspections, Supplier verification, , Food defense, Glass and Brittle Plastic Policy, , CAPA Program, Allergen Control, any other prerequisite programs as needed, etc.

• Ensure compliance to State Food and Drug and USA FDA

• Interface with all food safety/compliance agencies. Responsible for non-compliance responses and corrective actions.

• Organize and facilitate customer & regulatory audits and inspections as well as supplier audits.

• Monitor and contribute to new food safety regulations, interfacing with food safety personnel and regulatory/compliance agencies by attending symposiums, conferences, etc., Participate in and become an expert on food safety trends staying ahead of customer requirements.

• Serves as HACCP team leader for both processing plants.

• Responsible for annual review and update of all SQF systems documents, publications of updates, and maintenance of master document register

• Promote quality/food safety program by conducting GMP audits, creating newsletters, providing plant feedback, etc.

• Assists in proper formatting and publication of SOPs and other controlled docs authored by other departments.

• Addresses QA related customer requests, questionnaires and surveys in a timely manner

• Must be comfortable and capable of communicating and training plant employees in GMP’s and new employee orientation materials as well as additional food safety HACCP training as needed. Includes both one on one and in-group settings as well as remote training.

• Demonstrate commitment to safety by adhering to all PPE, personal and plant safety regulations.

• Participates in and supports company safety initiatives.

• Demonstrate reliable attendance, consistent punctuality and a positive attitude always.

• Act professionally towards customers, visitors and vendors.

• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Products: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, large ERP applications, Video & Teleconferencing software

• Train the Trainer certification is preferred.

• Ability to work independently while operating in a team setting.

• Great verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to clearly articulate thoughts, plans and proposals.

• Ability to utilize various Root Cause Analysis tools and organize/ lead RCA sessions is necessary.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific or food related discipline is preferred, though equivalent industry experience will be considered.

• Two (2) years leadership experience in a food processing or manufacturing environment

• HACCP certification is required.

• SQF Practitioner Certified is required.

• Internal Auditor Training Required.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, reach and move about a laboratory and production facilities in normal ambient temperatures. Some lifting of up to 25lbs. may be required. The ability to meet flexible and changing priorities and the ability to work under pressure is necessary. Travel between facilities will be required. Available on a 24/7 basis to deal as necessary with any Quality related issues, training needs or off hours inspections.

Compensation

Pay Range: $72k - $75k annually (bonus potential for achieving performance goals.)

Salary offers will vary and will be determined by the candidate’s work experience, education, skills, and certifications.

Our Benefits

At Ventura Coastal, we offer competitive benefits to our Non-Union Employees in Visalia, Tipton and Ventura that include:

• Medical & Prescription Drug Coverage (PPO, PPO/H.S.A., HMO)

• Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD)

• Short-Term-Disability Insurance (STD)

• Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

• Dental Plan (DHMO, PPO)

• Vision Plan

• 401(k) with partial Company match

• Generous paid holiday and vacation benefits