QA Auditor

QA Auditor (FSQA – Supplier & Internal)

The QA Auditor will lead internal food safety and quality audit programs and oversee supplier and co-manufacturer compliance for a growing food manufacturing organization. This role evaluates the effectiveness of food safety, quality, and regulatory systems, ensures that suppliers and co-manufacturers meet defined standards, and supports continuous improvement across the supply chain. The position partners closely with Quality, Operations, Procurement, and R&D to maintain robust food safety programs, support commercialization projects, and drive consistent product quality from ingredients through finished goods.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage internal audit programs to ensure compliance with regulatory and company-defined food safety and quality standards.
• Conduct supplier and co-manufacturer audits, including risk assessments and performance evaluations, to verify adherence to food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and third-party audit and certification bodies.
• Support and maintain a structured supplier approval and qualification program.
• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs, SPC, trending, and data analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain and manage supplier documentation and databases in partnership with Procurement, ensuring records are accurate, current, and audit-ready.
• Collaborate with R&D and cross-functional teams on ingredient approval, supplier onboarding, and specification development.
• Support commercialization projects by providing food safety and quality input from product development through launch.
• Develop and maintain material and finished product specifications that align with regulatory, customer, and internal requirements.
• Identify risks within the supply chain and escalate significant findings and concerns to leadership in a timely manner.
• Lead investigations related to supplier non-conformances, including root cause analysis, corrective actions, and verification of effectiveness.
• Audit internal FSQA systems, procedures, and documentation to confirm effectiveness, alignment with standards, and readiness for external audits.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across internal processes and external partnerships to strengthen overall food safety and quality performance.
• Prepare clear, detailed audit reports and communicate findings, recommendations, and corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in inspections, batch record reviews, and quality checks to support day-to-day food safety and quality control activities.

Essential

Skills:

• Prior experience in food manufacturing quality and food safety (entry-level candidates with relevant internship experience or approximately 2 years of industry experience are considered).
• Strong experience with supplier quality and auditing in the food and beverage industry.
• Demonstrated knowledge of food safety systems and regulatory compliance, including USDA and FDA requirements.
• Proven ability to write audit reports and manage corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• HACCP certification with USDA or FDA focus required.
• Experience with GFSI certification schemes such as SQF, BRC, or equivalent.
• Strong analytical skills with hands-on experience in SPC, trending, and data analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality/documentation systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal cross-functional teams and external partners, both verbally and in writing.
• Detail-oriented approach with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Willingness to travel up to approximately 30% as needed.

Additional Skills &

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred.
• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification preferred.
• Experience working with food and beverage manufacturing processes, quality assurance, and quality control.
• Experience in auditing, inspection, and batch record review within a…