Quality Specialist

Reports To: Director of Operations / Plant Manager

Industry: Food Flavoring Manufacturing

Callizo Aromas LLC is a leading manufacturer of food flavorings headquartered in Palestine, Texas. We produce natural and artificial flavors for the food and beverage industry at both national and international levels. Our commitment to quality, food safety, and innovation positions us as a trusted strategic partner for our customers.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to join our Quality Assurance and Control Department. The Food Safety & Quality Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that all manufactured products meet the highest standards of quality, food safety, and applicable regulatory requirements. This role is critical to the plant's operational success and to maintaining the company's certifications.

• Design, implement, and maintain the plant's Quality Management System (QMS).
• Develop, review, and update quality manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and records.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and applicable external regulations.
• Oversee document control and version management of all quality documents.

• Implement and oversee the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan.
• Manage food safety programs:
  Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), sanitation, allergen control, and foreign material control.
• Coordinate microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory analyses of raw materials and finished products.
• Oversee end-to-end product traceability.
• Manage the product Recall Program.

• Obtain, maintain, and renew key industry certifications, including:
• SQF (Safe Quality Food) – Level 2 or 3
• BRC (British Retail Consortium) Global Standard for Food Safety
• ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000
• Kosher and/or Halal (as applicable)
• Organic certifications (if applicable)
• Ensure compliance with the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and its regulations (PCQI – Preventive Controls Qualified Individual).
• Comply with applicable USDA, EPA, and Texas state regulations.
• Manage FDA registrations and keep the Food Safety Plan up to date.

• Plan, coordinate, and lead preparation for third-party audits (SQF, BRC, customers, FDA, etc.).
• Conduct periodic internal audits across all plant areas.
• Manage findings (non-conformances), develop corrective action plans (CAPA), and follow up to closure.
• Maintain direct communication with certification bodies and external auditors.
• Prepare and present audit performance reports to Management.
• Develop and maintain the supplier approval and evaluation program.
• Review and approve specifications for raw materials, ingredients, and packaging materials.
• Manage supplier non-conformances and coordinate corrective actions.

• Handle and manage customer complaints related to product quality.
• Investigate root causes (Root Cause Analysis) and coordinate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Administer the non-conforming product and returns program.

• Supervise plant quality control laboratory operations.
• Ensure calibration and maintenance of measurement and laboratory equipment.
• Perform and supervise relevant quality analyses (physicochemical, microbiological, organoleptic, and sensory) for incoming raw materials, in-process product, and finished goods, ensuring compliance with established specifications prior to release or rejection.
• Coordinate analyses with accredited external laboratories when necessary.
• Establish and update analysis methods and product acceptance parameters.
• Lead, train, and develop the Quality Control team (QC Technicians, Lab Analysts).
• Design and deliver food safety, GMP, and quality training programs for all plant personnel.
• Foster a culture of quality and food safety throughout the organization.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in:
  Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, or a related field. (Required)
• Master's degree in Food Science, Quality Management, or related field. (Preferred)