SQF Practitioner

Job Title: SQF Practitioner / Production Specialist

Location: Louisville, KY

The SQF Practitioner / Production Specialist is responsible for owning and continuously improving the SQF Food Safety System while actively supporting daily production operations. This role serves as the site SQF Practitioner and plays a hands‑on role in ensuring compliance with SQF, FDA, FSMA, HACCP, and customer requirements—while driving food safety, quality, efficiency, and best manufacturing practices across the facility.

This is a highly visible role that bridges Quality and Operations and requires someone who can manage systems and be present on the floor.

• Serve as the site SQF Practitioner with full authority over the SQF Food Safety System
• Develop, implement, maintain, and update SQF programs in accordance with the SQF Code
• Ensure compliance with SQF, FDA FSMA, GMPs, HACCP, and applicable regulatory requirements
• Lead SQF, customer, and regulatory audits; manage CAPAs to closure
• Conduct internal audits, risk assessments, allergen management, supplier approval and verification
• Oversee traceability, recall programs, environmental monitoring, and food safety training
• Maintain document control and recordkeeping systems
• Lead mock recalls and maintain food defense and food fraud programs

• Support daily production to ensure products meet quality, safety, and customer specifications
• Partner with Production, Maintenance, and Sanitation teams to resolve quality issues
• Monitor and validate production efficiencies and key quality metrics
• Monitor CCPs, preventive controls, and production records
• Assist with root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support implementation of SOPs, work instructions, and process controls
• Ensure proper handling and disposition of non‑conforming product

• Analyze quality and production data to identify trends and improvement opportunities
• Assist with validation and verification of processes and controls
  
  Support supplier approvals, incoming inspections, and specification management
• Participate in new product launches, process changes, and production ramp‑ups

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 2–5 years of experience in food manufacturing, quality assurance, or production
• SQF Practitioner certification or completion of an approved SQF Practitioner course (required)
• Current HACCP certification; BCPS certification preferred

• Strong working knowledge of SQF Code, FSMA, GMPs, and HACCP
• Experience in a food manufacturing or processing environment
• Strong organizational, documentation, and analytical skills
• Ability to train, influence, and collaborate across all levels of the organization
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and quality management systems

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold, noise, and food allergens
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 30 lbs
• Flexibility to support audits, production needs, and occasional off‑shift or weekend work

• Experience with SQF Edition 9
• Experience with acidified foods and/or beverages
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

• Competitive compensation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Training and professional development opportunities