FSQA Systems & Compliance Specialist

FSQA Systems & Compliance Specialist

Location: Grand Rapids, MI area (supports two manufacturing facilities)

Reports to: Vice President of FSQA

Department: Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA)

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized FSQA Systems & Compliance Specialist to oversee the administration and continuous improvement of key FSQA systems while supporting labeling compliance and regulatory programs. This role is central to maintaining audit-ready operations, ensuring product data integrity, and driving cross-functional alignment with USDA/FSIS and FDA requirements.

The Specialist will work closely with FSQA leadership, Operations, R&D, Procurement, and Technical Services to support accurate product specifications, compliant labeling, and effective system utilization. While the primary focus is systems and compliance, this position may occasionally provide plant-level FSQA support and assist with special projects.

This role is ideal for an FSQA professional who enjoys working with product data, labeling, digital systems, and cross-functional teams in a USDA-regulated manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

FSQA Systems & Program Management

• Administer and continuously improve FSQA digital platforms, including document control, specification management, supplier management, and labeling systems.
• Serve as a primary resource for the product formulation system (Optimal), including system maintenance, troubleshooting, user support, and data integrity.
• Partner with FSQA leadership to ensure systems effectively support regulatory compliance, traceability, audit readiness, and internal reporting.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and databases to monitor FSQA performance metrics and drive data-based decision-making.

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

• Review and approve product labels to ensure compliance with USDA/FSIS and FDA regulations.
• Maintain and verify HACCP plans, prerequisite programs, and other regulatory documentation.
• Monitor regulatory updates and coordinate implementation of required changes across affected programs and product lines.
• Maintain organized, audit-ready records to support inspections, customer requirements, and internal reviews.

Audits & Certifications

• Coordinate the preparation and organization of materials for USDA, customer, and third-party audits.
• Support SQF and other certification programs through accurate documentation and program verification.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with Operations, R&D, Procurement, and Technical Services to ensure accurate product specifications and regulatory alignment.
• Drive improvements in labeling workflows, system utilization, and data accuracy.
• Train team members on FSQA systems, labeling requirements, and related procedures.
• Provide plant-level FSQA support and contribute to special projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Safety, or a related field - or equivalent combination of education and food industry experience.
• 2–5+ years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, regulatory, or specification/labeling roles within a food manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of USDA/FSIS and FDA food labeling requirements; experience with meat and poultry products strongly preferred.
• Experience administering or supporting food safety or quality management systems and digital FSQA platforms.
• Experience with product formulation, specification, or labeling systems (e.g., Optimal, Genesis, EasyLabel, FoodLogiQ) preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects, maintain data accuracy, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel; experience with SharePoint, Power BI, or database environments is a plus.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams and plant operations.