Compliance Specialist

Summary/Objectives

The Compliance Specialist assists in managing and maintaining the Quality Management System (QMS) by fulfilling the day-to-day system requirements. This position works with the Compliance Manager to provide guidance and direction to the Senior Management Group, the ISO Steering Committee, and the entire MSE organization. The Compliance Specialist provides structure to the QMS through a disciplined approach to document management, timely reporting, organization and arrangement, employee education, and compliance verification. The person holding this position assists in examining and documenting programs, processes, and procedures and verifying compliance through scheduled routine internal audits. The Compliance Specialist may schedule, prepare for meetings, and participate in internal and external audits to maintain certification to ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ISO/TS 22002-4, FSSC 22000, and ISCC Plus. The Compliance Specialist may assist with routinely verifying QMS Programs and Procedures for effectiveness. The Compliance Specialist also participates in developing and supporting sustainability initiatives and compliance programs relevant to MSE's sustainability goals.

Essential Functions

• Assist in directing, guiding, and participating in the functions of the QMS.
• Interact with department heads/leaders to understand new or existing processes and ensure that adequately controlled documentation is in place to support those processes.
• Maintain Programs to identify, address, and comply with the requirements of the ISO Standards and the FSSC 22000 Scheme in a fully sustainable manner.
• Modify workflow procedures and make timely edits or updates as required by the processes.
• Ensure communication across all levels of the MSE organization regarding the requirements of ISO standards, the FSSC scheme, and ISCC Plus certification, as well as ISCC Plus certification and MSE's compliance with these standards.
• Conduct regular PRP Verification audits in the facility, documenting compliance and non-compliant findings and reporting those findings to managers. Communicate with the necessary parties to facilitate resolution and ensure the corrective action of the unsatisfactory item is completed.
• Perform routine environmental monitoring testing, document the results, and advise managers on interpreting the results.
• Assist with planning and conducting regular working meetings (e.g., Food Safety, Food Fraud, Food Defense, etc.)
• Serve as a member or, in the absence of the Compliance Manager, as the team leader on the Food Safety, Food Fraud, and/or Food Defense teams.
• Coordinate and participate in internal audits of the QMS and the FSMS.
• Prepare for, coordinate, and participate in external audits.
• Assign, track, and/or undertake Corrections and Corrective Actions for non-conformances. Develop expertise in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and be the resource for accurate RCA. Assist in the development of Corrective Action Plans. Track the completion of each Corrective Action.
• Drive continual improvement by timely reporting and analysis of key business objectives. Emphasize trends without overlooking short-term performance.
• Complete tasks identified on Monday.com's ISO Task Management tab and update their status when completed.
• Participate in the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of MSE's sustainability initiatives, including assisting in achieving and maintaining sustainability certifications or compliance programs deemed beneficial by the organization.

PPE requirements and Safety Rules

• Eye protection is required everywhere in the plant.
• Hearing protection is required everywhere in the plant.
• Safety-toed shoes or boots are required everywhere in the plant.
• Cut gloves are required to be worn on the opposite hand you use to hold a knife when cutting.
• Maximum weight allowed to be lifted by one person is 80 pounds. Anything heavier requires the aid of another person, forklift, Big Joe, or roll handlers.
• Face shields must be worn anytime you are over the die during start-up.
• Each machine is equipped with multiple safety switches and devices. Although the features are not the same for each machine, all have safety devices to help protect you. These include pressure-sensitive switches, light curtains, pull cords, and emergency stop buttons.

Core Competencies

• Interpersonal skills
• Strategic thinking
• Analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking
• Creative thinking
• Persistence
• Ability to motivate others
• Ability to multi-task
• Problem solving
• Visibility
• Availability
• Commitment to Sustainability

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

A college degree is preferred but not required. Relevant experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment is preferred. The Compliance Specialist must earn respect and trust from peers through experience, interpersonal relationships, and practical application of the ISO Standards and/or FSSC Scheme requirements to be effective and achieve the desired results. Heavy emphasis is placed on strong interpersonal skills (e.g., soft skills such as active listening and effective communication) and strength of character.

The Compliance Specialist assists with managing the QMS. Managing the QMS requires reading, interpreting, and applying the requirements of applicable ISO Standards and the FSSC 22000 Scheme to the Mid South Extrusion organization. Additionally, the Compliance Specialist may assist in developing and implementing new versions of current or new certifications as needed. Formal training by second-party subject matter experts is required for the fundamentals of HACCP and Internal Auditing for ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000, along with any other training determined by the position's needs. The Compliance Specialist must be able to acquire and apply a fundamental knowledge and understanding of blown film manufacturing, including the terminology used in the processes and applicable to the products made.

The Compliance Specialist's responsibilities include:

• positively interacting with people at all levels of the organization and providing meaningful guidance based on their function and position as it applies to the QMS,
• effectively communicating in both written and verbal form,
• leading, guiding, directing, and influencing others in matters related to and necessary for maintaining an effective QMS,
• managing one's time as needed to deliver a timely and effective work product,
• reading, comprehending, and interpreting technical documents such as published standards, articles, white papers, and reports, as well as work-related documents and data from the processes,
• annually completing at least one (1) continuing education course related to quality management and (1) related to food safety,
• documenting in written and/or diagram forms, processes, programs, and procedures using proper language and syntax,
• creating or modifying documents within the QMS as necessary to address specific, identified gaps in the structure of the system,
• exercising discipline to follow existing, established protocols such as document control procedures and Program requirements related to ISO and FSSC,
• creating accurate, timely, routine reports for the organization,
• routinely verifying the effectiveness of prerequisite programs (PRPs) to ensure quality and food safety compliance,
• using standard office equipment such as a computer, printer, and digital camera. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Visio software, or acquiring such proficiency, is required.
• ability and willingness to learn and apply concepts related to sustainability initiatives and certification requirements.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None. This position has no direct reports.

Work Environment

This position requires work in both an office and plant environment. The Compliance Specialist is expected to maintain a neat and professional appearance that aligns with the expectations of the role. Attire should be clean, neat, well-maintained, appropriate for a business environment, and avoid overly casual or distracting clothing. The Compliance Specialist must be able to travel throughout the facility, including to the top of the extrusion towers, as needed to conduct inspections or participate in other activities related to the QMS or the FSMS. Some exposure to outside elements (e.g., hot weather, cold weather, precipitation, strong wind, etc.) is required when doing daily tasks. The Compliance Specialist is expected to spend at least 50% of the scheduled time in the plant. Regardless of weather conditions, daily floor time is mandatory.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described in this job description are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this role successfully.

This position requires work in both an office and plant environment. The Compliance Specialist must spend at least 50% of the scheduled time in the plant. Regardless of weather conditions, daily floor time is mandatory. The employee may be required to remain seated for up to 50% of the day; have the ability to move around inside the office occasionally; constantly operate a computer and other office equipment; frequently communicate with internal and external parties; and move, transport, or position up to twenty (20) pounds. When not in the office, the employee must be able to travel through the facility, climb stairs, and safely work around loud, moving equipment. (Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties and essential functions).

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position requires daily physical activity and may involve standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing. Extended periods of desk and/or computer work exceeding four hours are not common, but they may occasionally occur.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position with general work hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, this position may occasionally require longer hours and/or occasional weekend work. Routine work hours require occasional adjustments to accommodate internal and/or external audits, monthly safety meetings, or other necessary commitments. Some travel may be required to attend seminars, meet with customers or suppliers, or perform off-site audits.

Education and Experience

• A college degree is preferred but not required. Relevant experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Computer skills that include the ability to type.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software.
• Three or more years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment.

Other Duties

Please note this job description does not cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that the employee requires for this job. The information herein provides an overview of the Compliance Specialist's job function. Duties, responsibilities, and activities, including sustainability-related initiatives, may change at any time, with or without notice.

Reasonable accommodations can be made for Qualified ADA disabilities if they enable the employee to perform this position's essential functions and duties.

Mid-South Extrusion, Inc. is an equal opportunities employer. We want applicants of diverse backgrounds and hire without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.