Quality Assurance Specialist

Quality Assurance Specialist Location: Columbus, OH We are seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist to support quality systems and food safety programs within a fast-paced, high-volume food manufacturing facility. This role will assist with maintaining quality standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, monitoring production processes, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and product quality. Key Responsibilities: Support the Quality Systems Manager with daily quality and food safety activities. Perform plant inspections, including GMP audits, safety assessments, and quality checks. Monitor and document food safety and quality performance throughout production. Verify completion of required documentation, including CQP paperwork, metal detection checks, and production records. Conduct product quality inspections, including raw materials, finished products, coding verification, moisture and pH testing, and sensory evaluations. Monitor employee compliance with GMPs, sanitation practices, and food safety procedures. Support HACCP programs, product recall procedures, allergen control programs, and regulatory compliance requirements. Investigate quality concerns and customer complaints while communicating findings to leadership. Perform environmental testing and support food safety monitoring programs as needed. Audit ingredient receiving processes to ensure compliance with quality standards. Assist with customer and regulatory inspections, including AIB, HACCP, FDA, SQF, and customer audits. Manage product holds and work with production teams to determine appropriate disposition. Maintain accurate quality records and ensure documentation meets company and regulatory requirements. Communicate quality issues and expectations clearly with production teams, supervisors, and management. Support additional quality and food safety responsibilities as assigned. Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing, quality assurance, food safety, or a related field preferred. Knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, sanitation processes, allergen control, and food safety programs. Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Ability to read, understand, and complete required forms and records. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, up to 8 hours per day. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to work effectively on the production floor and communicate with team members. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately and efficiently. Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including: Medical insurance Company-paid dental and vision coverage Disability and life insurance 401(k) with company match Paid vacation Employee appreciation events and lunches Referral bonus opportunities Career development and advancement opportunities Join a growing manufacturing team where quality, food safety, and operational excellence are at the center of everything we do. IND3