Job Description
Job Description
The Food Safety Specialist is responsible for supporting and maintaining the company's food safety and quality systems to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, customer, and internal requirements. This role works closely with the QA Manager and cross-functional teams to implement food safety programs, monitor compliance, and promote a strong food safety culture throughout the organization.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of food safety programs, including HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs, and prerequisite programs
- Monitor day-to-day food safety and quality activities to ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA, state, and local agencies, as applicable)
- Conduct internal audits, inspections, and assessments to verify compliance with food safety programs
- Assist with third-party audits and regulatory inspections, including preparation, participation, and follow-up on corrective actions
- Investigate food safety and quality issues, including deviations, non-conformances, and customer complaints; lead or support root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions
- Analyze data collected during inspections and audits to identify trends, root causes of issues, and opportunities for process improvements
- Review and maintain food safety documentation, records, and reports
- Facilitate training of employees on food safety, sanitation, and quality procedures
- Collaborate with production, sanitation, maintenance, and supply chain teams to ensure food safety controls are effectively implemented
- Stay current with food safety regulations, industry standards, and best practices
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in food science, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- 2–5 years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or a related role within a food manufacturing or processing environment
- Working knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, sanitation programs, and food safety regulations
- Strong attention to detail and documentation skills
- Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and recommend corrective actions
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working in a USDA-regulated facility
- Experience with meat or poultry processing and cooking operations, including lethality and critical control points related to thermal processing
- Familiarity with USDA FSIS regulations and inspection processes
PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS
- HACCP Certification
- PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual)
- FSSC 22000, SQF, BRCGS, or other GFSI-related training or experience
PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Work is primarily conducted in a manufacturing and office environment
- May require standing, walking, and occasional lifting in production areas
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required
ABOUT US
Northwest Frozen is a Seattle-based, Founder-led, forward-thinking food manufacturing company, dedicated to redefining the culinary landscape with our innovative approach to food production. We operate the largest sushi factory in North America, producing over one million pieces of sushi daily, along with a growing portfolio of restaurant-quality frozen and fresh ready meals.
WHAT WE OFFER YOU
- Competitive Salary: $80,000 Based on experience
- Paid Time Off: 80 hours annually + 7 Paid Holidays
- Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance
*Northwest Frozen is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from all types of discrimination. *