Food Safety & Quality Specialist

Responsible to oversee Food Safety and Quality practices at our Santa Paula, CA Distribution Warehouse and Packinghouse. Inspect operations to ensure related records and good manufacturing practices are being maintained. Ensures compliance with all state and federal Food Safety laws, requirements, and customer specifications. Acts as a subject matter expert in Quality and Food Safety. Responsible for implementing new or established techniques and procedures for inspecting and testing fresh produce.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:Primarily oversees Food Safety and quality compliance within the operation(s) to ensure fruit and/or veg products meet Food Safety standards, and sites maintain a ready state to pass Food Safety compliance audits. Works directly with the plant management team to maintain, modify, and improve the Quality System. Additional duties include:

• Collect, review and file all Food Safety and quality paperwork in a timely manner. Will ensure all Food Safety and quality paperwork is being filled out accurately.
• Conducts daily pre-operational checks of the facility to ensure good housekeeping. Advises on needed actions or corrections. Demonstrates a commitment to the company's values and ethics.
• Work with Packinghouse and Operations Management in decision-making processes to find solutions that meet goals for Food Safety, quality, and production compliance.
• Observe packinghouse/ warehouse operations internally and externally and notify management of any Food Safety concerns or issues needing action.
• Perform quarterly/monthly internal self-audits; document and request corrective actions as needed.
• Monitor product inventory and perform pressure reports for avocados 15 days and older. Perform dry matter test twice per week.
• Check storage coolers for proper temperature, humidity, and cleanliness.
• Verify fruit ripening stage for certain customers, as needed.
• Calibrate thermometers and other Food Safety/quality instruments at directed frequency.
• Collect ATP and environmental samples to verify sanitation of the facility; coordinate sending samples to the laboratory.
• Conduct a variety of periodic and routine audits to document adherence to company standards, third-party standards, policies, and procedures. Inspect customer returns to verify quality of the product.
• Ensure all corrective actions are completed in a timely manner.
• Inspect and monitor size, weight, variety, and grade of individual containers of Outside Purchase fruit, document findings.
• Seek opportunities to assist team members, be supportive, and strive to keep lines of communication open; must cooperate with supervisors and other employees in all assignments.
• May deliver or support Food Safety and Quality training segments, as requested.
• Ensure SOP's related to Food Safety Management Systems, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), Sanitation, and Quality are followed.
• Safety conscious in performing all work assignments and utilizes any safety equipment required.
• Perform other work duties and projects as assigned or required

• The base salary we reasonably expect to pay for this role is: $64,480 - $72,000
• The actual salary for this role will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience.
• Please note that base pay is one important aspect of a compelling Total Rewards package. The base pay range indicted here does not include any additional benefits or cash bonuses that you may be eligible for based on your role and/or employment type.