Food Safety and Quality Control Specialist

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Position Overview

The Food Safety and Quality Control Specialist role actively supports the continuous improvement of the Bread Alone Food Safety and Quality program. This role reports to the Food Safety and Quality Manager. The Food Safety and Quality Control Specialist embodies the culture of respect and cooperation that Bread Alone requires for all who work here.

While working hours will generally be consistent, this role offers a high degree of flexibility to accommodate various projects. You'll have the opportunity to work autonomously, supporting and driving improvement initiatives in food safety and quality practices during evening and overnight hours. This position is ideal for those who thrive in a dynamic environment and are excited about playing a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing our food safety standards around the clock.

Hours: We strive to make schedules as manageable as possible to encourage and allow work/life balance. The days needed for this position are Thursday - Monday, and the schedule may vary based on business needs.

Bread Alone's Worldview: Bread Alone Began in 1983 with simple intention: To feed people organic bread baked from a wood-fire brick oven. We run the bakery today with the optimistic belief that good food, an equitable economy and a healthy planet can thrive together. At the heart of our endeavors lies the profound belief that individuals are integral to every positive impact we make. Join us as we collectively strive for excellence in aligning our aspirations with meaningful actions.

Requirements:

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

Food Safety and Quality System Monitoring and Verification:

• Monitor and verify the implementation and effectiveness of FS&Q Systems.
• Performing a variety of quality assurance audits on incoming products, in-process production, and finished products to ensure that they meet regulatory and company standards of quality.
• Assist in planning and establishing Food Safety and Quality activities and procedures.
• Monitors daily adherence to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and reports issues to management.
• Perform monitoring and verification activities per established schedule and validate against specification. Examples of tasks include, but are not limited to:

1. Daily collection and verification of records such as trace records, metal detector logs, pre-op checklist, chemical concentrations, product pH monitoring.
2. Daily temperature check cooler/freezer.
3. GMPs walk-through
4. Perform periodic trace tests combining purchasing and production data (1 random selection).
5. Perform Glass and brittle plastic inspection.
6. Perform Calibration Verification and inspection.
7. Monitor environmental samples and utilities (swabs, sampling, and shipment)
8. Periodic review of approved ingredients list vs. on-site ingredients
9. Spot check of receiving packaging matching approved proof.
10. Spot check of printed labels vs. approved.

Compliance and Documentation:

• Facilitate and participate in external audits by assisting with compliance records, plant tours, and addressing product safety and quality requests.
• Participate in internal audits across all departments to monitor food safety and quality compliance. Report on gap analysis, create and manage CAPA.
• Coordinate and monitor product hold procedure. Determine appropriate and timely dispositions of products based on quality analysis.
• Documentation management, including developing SOPs and work instructions and training materials as needed and pertinent to improve food safety and quality.
• Support corrections, corrective, and preventative actions by developing and implementing solutions to food safety and quality issues.
• Data entry and report generation to identify trends (e.g., food fraud, audit correction).

Root Cause Investigation and Non-Conformance:

• Assist in investigating root causes of customer complaints and product or process non-conformances, ensuring timely documentation and closure of corrective actions.

Collaboration and Cross-Departmental Support:

• Foster a collaborative environment and work collaboratively with all departments to ensure the highest standard of Food Safety and Quality are met.
• Collaborate on special projects that enhance food safety, efficiency, and quality standards.

Training and Development:

• Support Food Safety and Quality training by delivering assigned training and ensuring accurate rosters.
• Conduct plant food safety/GMP orientation and refresher when necessary.
• Maintain visual communication boards to educate and engage team members.
• Participate in team huddles as needed, and perform spot training and communication when applicable as it relates to food safety and quality.

SQF Practitioner Support and Other Duties:

• Maintain training and expertise to be an effective SQF back-up practitioner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job requirements:

• Relevant education in food safety and quality or a related field is preferred (e.g. Associate’s degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Microbiology)
• Demonstrated experience in food safety, quality, sanitation, baking, or food manufacturing is required. Candidates without formal education must have a minimum of 3+ years of hands-on experience in food production environments and demonstrate foundational food safety knowledge.
• Demonstrated commitment to building and supporting a positive and mature food safety culture, with an ability to engage teams at all levels in shared accountability, continuous improvement, education/training, and proactive food safety practices.
• HACCP Certified or equivalent training preferred.
• SQF Training preferred.
• Solution driven, able to troubleshoot and resolve issues promptly.
• Acute attention to detail
• Self driven, who can work independently.
• Proficient in research/data collection and interpretation, record keeping, report writing, and communicating information efficiently.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Read and interpret basic technical documents as needed to problem solve, understand operating procedures and requirements.
• Perform basic math functions
• Demonstrate solid interpersonal and communication skills
• Intermediate level to Proficient Computer Skills with experience using the Google Suite and Microsoft Windows Suite to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Night, weekend, and holiday availability per needs of Food Safety and Quality department.
• Willingness to update base schedule based on the projects and needs of the department.
• Respect for and comfort with a diverse and inclusive workplace
• Able and willing to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and assigned uniform as required per company policy
• Able to gain proficiency in operating and instructing on the proper use of all systems(physical and technological) in use in your department
• Willing to follow all safety guidelines set out by Bread Alone
• Willing to take responsibility for your own and others safety by strictly enforcing all safety rules and regulations and taking steps to mitigate any unsafe conditions or practices enlisting the help of others as needed
• The Bakery is open 365 days a year and team members must be willing to work consistently throughout the year which includes holidays and weekends\

Job Type:

Full-time, non-exempt

Compensation Details: Bread Alone is deeply committed to ethically balancing the demands of the business and paying a living wage to all those who contribute to our success. Pay for this position is $20 to $40 per hour.

We Offer

Company-Wide, Rewarding Success Together: We believe in sharing success with our team. Our bonus program is designed to recognize and reward your contributions— the longer you're with us, the greater your potential earnings. As we grow, so do your opportunities to benefit.

Ongoing Growth & Recognition: Your development matters to us. We provide regular check-ins and feedback to support your success—starting with dedicated evaluations at 30 and 90 days for new hires, followed by annual reviews for merit-based growth. Our goal is to help you thrive and be rewarded for your contributions.

Invest in Your Future: We’re committed to helping you build long-term financial security. After just six months, you’ll be eligible for our 401(k) program with a generous employer match of up to 4%—because your future matters as much as your present success.

Prioritizing Your Work-Life Balance: Your time matters—both at work and beyond. Our progressive PTO plan rewards your commitment: 80 hours after year one and 120 hours after year two! The longer you're with us, the more time you’ll have to recharge and enjoy what matters most.

Supporting Your Well-Being: We believe in taking care of our team. Hourly employees accrue wellness time at a rate of 1 hour per 30 hours worked—up to 56 hours in the first year. And as a bonus, any unused time is paid out on your one-year anniversary! Prioritize your well-being, knowing your time is valued.

Comprehensive Healthcare through CDPHP

Dental Coverage with Delta Dental

Free Vision & Life Insurance—fully covered for all employees

Invest in Your Future with $2,000 in annual education reimbursement