Job Details

Reports to: Services Manager

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, with flexibility to work outside standard hours as needed (approximately up to 20% of the time).

The Erlen Group of companies exist to maximize long-term shareholder value by providing goods and services with honesty, integrity and fairness to our team, our communities, and our clients.

FSQA Specialist Summary:

The FSQA Specialist at Cold Zone is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and maintenance of an SQF-level food safety and quality program across all warehouse operations. This role works collaboratively and side by side with operations leadership to ensure food safety, sanitation, and compliance standards are built into daily workflows. The FSQA Specialist assists with documentation, training, internal audits, regulatory compliance, and preparation for SQF certification and customer-required audits.

FSQA Specialist Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the SQF food safety program, including policies, procedures, forms, and documentation.
• Support all preparation activities required for SQF certification audits.
• Conduct routine internal food safety and quality audits; document findings and assist with corrective action follow-up.
• Maintain food safety records, logs, verification documents, and audit files in a ready-to-review condition.
• Work closely with operations leadership to ensure food safety practices, GMPs, and sanitation standards are consistently executed in daily operations.
• Support operations with allergen controls, pest control processes, sanitation standards, and facility hygiene programs.
• Assist in developing and delivering training related to food safety, SQF requirements, and regulatory expectations.
• Support hazard analyses, risk assessments, and other documentation required under SQF.

• Assist with compliance related to customer-required certifications, audits, and food safety expectations.
• Support product hold documentation, communication, tracking, and release protocols tied to food safety or quality.
• Participate in SQF audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections as required.
• Conduct routine walkthroughs and program reviews to support continuous improvement and ongoing readiness.
• Identify and prepare the facility for future regulatory requirements related to food safety.

FSQA Specialist Skills/Abilities:

• Strong foundational understanding of SQF Code, GFSI standards, and HACCP principles
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with operations in a warehouse environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Solid analytical and problem-solving ability
• Follows Safety and Food Safety Policies & Procedures

FSQA Specialist Education and Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Agriculture, Supply Chain, or a closely related field
• Experience in food safety, quality, or regulatory compliance
• Working knowledge of GFSI programs (SQF, BRCGS, etc.)

• HACCP certification or ability to complete within60days.
• Valid Driver's License

Preferred:

• Experience assisting with or contributing to an SQF or GFSI program.
• Internal auditing experience or certification
• PCQI certification or ability to complete within60days.
• Experience in warehouse, distribution, or food manufacturing environments

FSQA Specialist Physical and/or Travel Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional domestic travel may be required.

FSQA Specialist Benefits:

• Paid time off and Holidays
• Simplified Employee Pension Plan
• Health Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Gallup Leadership Development training

Erlen Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment and aspects of employment are decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Erlen Group values a diverse workplace and encourages anyone to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This position is safety sensitive.