SQF Practitioner

Edible Cuts, a leading food processing company, is seeking a highly skilled SQF Practitioner to join our team. As a key member of our Quality Assurance department, you will be responsible for overseeing the QA team and Documentation Specialist team, ensuring the effective implementation and maintenance of our SQF System.

• Manage the Quality Assurance Technicians team and Documentation Specialist team, providing leadership and communication to the team.
• Serve as SQF Practitioner for Edible Cuts and Midwest Kitchens, ensuring compliance with SQF code and regulatory requirements.
• Lead 3rd party audits and annual SQF audit, ensuring the integrity of our SQF System.
• Direct contact for USDA FSIS Inspector, ensuring effective communication and resolution of any issues.
• Oversee the development, implementation, review, and maintenance of the SQF System, including food safety fundamentals and the food safety plan.
• Take appropriate action to ensure the integrity of the SQF System, including corrective actions and preventive measures.
• Oversee company's Food Safety and Quality training, determining training needs and communicating essential information to relevant personnel.
• Coordinate monthly meetings with Management to review continuous improvement, customer complaints, internal audit, and internal inspection findings.
• Responsible for verification, validation, and internal audit activities as outlined in SQF code, working closely with the FSQA Manager.
• Develop and maintain Policies and Procedures and monitoring forms in accordance with SQF System, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee implementation of developed Policies and Procedures, ensuring effective communication and training to relevant personnel.
• Conduct documentation and record verification for all records of Food Safety System, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain HACCP Food Safety System, conducting annual HACCP reassessments and plan verification with the HACCP Team.
• Develop and maintain SSOPs and Master Sanitation Schedule, ensuring effective cleaning and housekeeping activities at processing plant and warehouse.
• Responsible for investigating food safety and quality-related incidents, ensuring effective resolution and corrective actions.
• Oversee Food Safety System Programs and Associated Policies, updating documents as needed to comply with SQF codes, customer requirements, and government regulations.
• Conduct monthly facility audits and inspections, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Responsible for maintaining Organic certifications, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee chemical usage, ensuring proper storage and security, and availability of SDS.
• Develop and maintain operational quality standards, batch sheets, and specification sheets (SOPs), ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Create, review, and approve finished product labels, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Assist FSQA Manager in implementing new policies and procedures, ensuring effective communication and training to relevant personnel.
• Review Environmental Swabs and ATP swabs results, taking corrective actions as needed and trending results.
• Maintain a clear understanding of customer requirements, providing support in completing customer questionnaires.
• Adhere to all regulatory rules and regulations, ensuring Food Safety and product performance standards are met.
• Handle quality assurance issues on the production floor as they arise, ensuring effective resolution and corrective actions.
• Back up for FSQA Manager, Documentation Specialist, and QA Supervisor, ensuring effective coverage and support.
• Create a positive working environment for all associates, one that supports continuous improvement, reinforces company philosophy and policies, and ensures every individual is treated with respect.
• Provide independent oversight of processes, verifying compliance to company standards and policies, and effectively communicating when there are deviations from standards or processes.

• Preferably have at least 3 years of quality experience in a fresh food manufacturing environment.
• Preferably have knowledge of FDA, USDA, and implementing Food Safety Systems.
• Preferably have experience with 3rd party food safety audits.
• Food Safety Skills: GFSI, SQF, GMP's, HACCP, CCP.
• Be a team player, maintaining a positive and respectful work environment.
• Ability to work in a cold environment (below 40 °F).

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, VL, Accident, Critical Illness Insurance.
• 401-k with employer match.
• Vacation and PTO/sick days.