Overview
We are seeking a Quality & Food Safety Specialist to support innovation initiatives within a dynamic product development environment focused on protein, functional, and better-for-you food categories.
This role plays a critical part in ensuring food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance during early-stage product development and commercialization. The position offers flexible, part-time hours with the opportunity to expand based on business needs, and requires adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Responsibilities
Quality & Safety Leadership (Primary Focus)- Lead food safety and quality efforts for innovation projects, including early-stage product development and joint ventures
- Conduct Quality Design Reviews and ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory standards
- Collaborate with R&D, operations, engineering, packaging, and commercial teams to support product launches
- Ensure food safety and quality requirements are integrated into project planning and execution
Program & Process Support- Manage ingredient and packaging approval processes
- Develop and maintain documentation supporting food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance
- Provide on-site support during manufacturing trials and production runs
- Investigate and resolve quality issues across manufacturing and distribution operations
- Stay current on regulatory requirements (FDA, HACCP, GMP) and industry trends
Continuous Improvement- Analyze audit results and performance data to identify improvement opportunities
- Support process optimization and implement best practices for food safety and quality
- Contribute to development of global standards for external manufacturing partners
Collaboration & Stakeholder Support- Partner with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure compliance and quality standards
- Communicate project updates, risks, and quality concerns effectively across stakeholders
- Support integration of quality requirements into commercial agreements and product strategies
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in food quality, food safety, or related roles within manufacturing environments
- Strong knowledge of food safety systems including HACCP, GMP, and FDA regulations
- Experience supporting new product development and lifecycle processes
- Ability to evaluate and troubleshoot quality issues in manufacturing environments
- Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, Teams)
- Ability to work in a flexible, fast-paced, and evolving environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in protein, functional foods, or better-for-you product categories
- FDA PCQI certification
- Experience with SAP or similar systems
- Background in supplier quality, packaging, or regulatory compliance
- Hands-on manufacturing or plant experience