Quality Assurance Specialist

Summary

The Quality Assurance Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of our ingredient supply chain and finished product portfolio. This position is responsible for managing the ingredient supplier approval program, maintaining ingredient and finished product specifications, and administering product certification processes. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in food safety regulations, supplier quality management, and technical documentation within a food manufacturing or CPG environment.

• Supplier Program Management (40%)

  • Administer the ingredient supplier approval and monitoring program, including collection, review, and approval of supplier documentation (e.g., certificates of analysis, food safety plans, certifications, allergen declarations, and specifications).
  • Maintain and update the approved supplier list and associated supplier files in the quality management system (QMS).
  • Communicate proactively with suppliers to obtain updated or missing documentation and resolve non-conformances.
  • Conduct periodic supplier document reviews and risk assessments to ensure ongoing compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
  • Support supplier audits and corrective action follow-up as needed.
  • Conduct supplier evaluations to ensure compliance with company quality and food safety standards.

• Ingredient & Finished Product Specifications (30%)

  • Create, revise, and maintain ingredient specifications in alignment with purchasing, R&D, and regulatory requirements.
  • Develop and maintain finished product specifications, including compositional, microbiological, physical, and labeling parameters.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, Purchasing, and Regulatory to ensure specifications reflect current formulations, sourcing, and compliance requirements.
  • Manage the specification review and approval workflow and ensure documents are version-controlled and accessible to relevant stakeholders.
  • Review supplier-provided specifications against internal requirements and flag discrepancies for resolution.

• Product Certifications & Compliance (20%)

  • Manage third-party product certification programs including but not limited to Organic (USDA NOP), Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for certification bodies; coordinate documentation submissions, facility inspections, and renewal activities.
  • Track certification expiration dates and manage renewal timelines to ensure uninterrupted certification status.
  • Ensure ingredient and finished product documentation supports all active certifications and identify gaps or risks.
  • Maintain records in compliance with certification body requirements and company recordkeeping policies.

• General Quality & Compliance (10%)

  • Support internal and external audits (e.g., SQF, customer audits) by maintaining accurate and complete documentation.
  • Assist in HACCP/food safety plan reviews as they relate to ingredient and supplier changes.
  • Identify continuous improvement opportunities within documentation and supplier management processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 2–4 years of experience in food quality assurance, food safety, or regulatory compliance within a food manufacturing or CPG environment.
• Working knowledge of food safety regulations including FDA FSMA, and relevant CFR requirements.
• Experience managing supplier documentation and/or working with third‑party certification bodies.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with QMS or document management software preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to correspond professionally with external suppliers and certification bodies.
• Ability to support on‑site support in Inver Grove Heights, MN, as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Nutrition, Biology or a related field.
• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification or willingness to obtain within 6 months.
• Experience with one or more certification programs: USDA Organic,…