Quality Assurance Specialist

Quality Assurance Specialist

The Quality Assurance Specialist manages and enhances internal food safety and ISO audit programs to ensure consistent compliance with quality and regulatory standards. This role serves as an active member of the HACCP Team, oversees the development and control of Quality and Food Safety Management System documentation, and drives timely resolution of food safety and quality issues in a laboratory and manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Establish, implement, and maintain an internal food safety audit program and ISO internal audit program to ensure ongoing compliance and continuous improvement.
• Serve as an active member of the HACCP Team, supporting the maintenance, review, and updating of HACCP and related food safety programs.
• Develop, organize, and control Quality and Food Safety Management System documentation, including records that demonstrate effective planning, operation, and control of processes.
• Facilitate the Internal Audit Program, including scheduling, coordinating, and overseeing internal audits.
• Review completed audit reports for accuracy, clarity, and completeness, and assign Quality Improvement Actions (QIAs) for identified non-conformances.
• Review closed QIA records to verify accuracy, completeness, and effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Communicate regularly with plant personnel regarding the status of open QIA and Non-Conformance Report (NCR) records, and track performance against corrective action timelines.
• Ensure immediate reaction and resolution to daily food safety and food quality situations, escalating issues as needed to protect product integrity.
• Train plant employees in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, Food Security, and related food safety and hygiene programs.
• Collaborate with laboratory and production teams to support quality control activities, batch record review, and compliance with USDA and other applicable standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in quality assurance, quality control, and laboratory practices.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of experience within the food industry.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and Food Safety Management Systems.
• Hands-on experience with food safety, HACCP, and hygiene programs.
• Strong quality assurance and quality control experience in a food manufacturing or laboratory setting.
• Experience with laboratory operations and batch record review.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze issues and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Sound technical ability and practical experience in a technical field related to food manufacturing or processing.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience using quality management, document control, and enterprise software systems.
• Ability to communicate clearly and regularly with plant personnel about audit findings, QIA and NCR status, and performance metrics.
• Capability to train employees in GMPs, HACCP, Food Security, and related food safety programs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a technical field, such as Engineering, Manufacturing, Chemistry, Food Science, or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with USDA regulations and requirements in food processing environments.
• Experience working in both laboratory and manufacturing environments.
• Strong attention to detail in documentation, record-keeping, and audit review.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including production, quality, and laboratory staff.

Work Environment

This role operates in both laboratory and manufacturing environments, working around food processing equipment and varying temperatures. The position involves regular interaction with plant personnel and quality teams, and requires careful adherence to food safety, hygiene, and GMP standards in day-to-day activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of South Sioux City, NE.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $43.27/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in South Sioux City, NE.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 2026.