Independent Contractor SQF Auditor

Food Safety Auditor

We are seeking an experienced Food Safety Auditor to conduct SQF recognized food safety audits and partner with food manufacturers to strengthen compliance, quality, and consumer trust. In this highly visible role, you will serve as a trusted technical expert—evaluating food safety systems, communicating audit outcomes, and supporting continuous improvement across diverse client operations. This role is ideal for a seasoned food safety professional who thrives in a dynamic, client-facing environment and is committed to the highest standards of food safety and audit integrity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct GFSI Certification food safety audits in accordance with applicable standards and accreditation requirements
• Analyze, document, summarize, and evaluate audit findings clearly and accurately
• Communicate audit results, nonconformities, and conclusions effectively to client site management and designated representatives
• Develop and execute efficient, well-structured audit work plans to ensure timely completion of assigned audits
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams and external clients
• Complete all required auditor training, documentation, and administrative tasks in a timely manner
• Maintain required food safety competencies, credentials, and qualifications
• Qualify for and conduct additional audit types as business needs evolve
• Perform other duties as assigned to support audit program excellence

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience working within in food safety, packaging, warehousing industry
• Successful completion of a Lead Auditor Course (5 days / 40 hours)
• HACCP Certification (2-day course with certificate)
• Current SQF Auditor Certification
• Prior auditing experience in SQF program; Packaging experience in industry and/or auditing is a plus
• FDA Preventative Course Quality Individual (PCQI) course or a BRCGS Food Module 13 FSMA current version
• Associates or Bachelors Bio-Science degree (microbiology, food science, bakery science, dairy science). Physical Science degrees (physical, chemistry, geology) are only considered if a minimum of 40 hours of Bio-Science coursework completed. At minimum, transcripts or degree must demonstrate bioscience coursework
• Documented audit log with 80+ hours of HACCP-based food safety audits (Internal audits do not qualify)
• Ability to work with multiple Certification Bodies (CBs)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong professional relationships
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel
• Required equipment:
• Laptop PC running Windows OS (iOS not supported)
• Availability for a minimum of 60 audit days per year

About Us

With a legacy spanning more than 80 years, NSF leverages science and innovation to improve human and planet health. We provide science-driven, independent testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services and develop the very standards that drive the food, water, and life sciences industries worldwide. We empower our clients to navigate shifting regulations to improve consumer health, safety, and quality of life.

One of our core values is We Are One NSF. This means that while we're one team, we embrace the cultural, ethnic, language, and demographic diversity that reflects the societies in which we live and work.

Come join a team that makes a difference in the world. More information about NSF can be found at nsf.org.

NSF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Please note that NSF is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies/search firms for this role. Resumes submitted to an NSF employee by a third-party agency without a valid written & signed search agreement between NSF and said third-party agency will become the sole property of NSF. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

About the Team

As pioneers in the food safety industry, NSF is proud to play a vitally important role in helping food service businesses of all sizes, from local cafes to multinational supermarket brands, stay ahead of risks, regulations and consumer expectations, while delivering on their commitment to food safety and public health.

Job Info

• Job Identification 3759
• Job Category Audit and Inspection
• Locations CA, United States