Food Safety Compliance & Risk Specialist

The Food Safety Compliance & Risk Specialist is responsible for ensuring the organization’s adherence to all applicable food safety regulations, internal policies, and customer requirements. This role focuses on identifying, assessing, and mitigating food safety risks across operations, supporting audit readiness, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Specialist serves as a key resource for compliance, regulatory interpretation, and risk management within the FSQA function.

This position works cross-functionally with Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to proactively identify potential risks and ensure consistent execution of food safety programs in alignment with HACCP, SQF, USDA, and FDA requirements.

• Monitor and enforce compliance with all food safety regulations, including HACCP, GMP, SQF, USDA, and FDA standards.
• Conduct risk assessments across processes, including raw materials, production, sanitation, and finished goods.
• Identify potential food safety hazards and develop preventive controls and mitigation strategies.
• Lead and support internal audits, mock recalls, and third-party audit preparations.
• Analyze food safety and quality data trends to identify emerging risks and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Investigate deviations, non-conformances, and food safety incidents; perform root cause analysis and ensure timely resolution.
• Develop, maintain, and update food safety programs, including HACCP plans, SOPs, and risk management documentation.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance is integrated into daily operations and continuous improvement efforts.
• Provide training and guidance to employees on food safety compliance, risk mitigation, and regulatory expectations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on regulatory requirements and communicate updates or changes to internal stakeholders.
• Support supplier and vendor compliance programs, including risk assessments and documentation reviews.
• Participate in crisis response and recall management activities as needed.

• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and standards (HACCP, GMP, SQF, USDA, FDA).
• Experience in risk assessment methodologies and preventive control frameworks.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance within a food manufacturing environment.
• Certification in HACCP, PCQI, or SQF Practitioner strongly preferred.

• Work is performed in both office and production environments, including exposure to varying temperatures, noise, and food processing conditions.
• Must be able to walk the production floor for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
• May require occasional off-shift hours, weekends, or support during audits and critical events.

$80,000 - $90,000 a year