FSQA Testing Specialist

Restaurant Depot is the nation’s leading members-only, wholesale cash-and-carry supplier serving independent restaurants, caterers, delis, convenience stores, and other food service businesses across 165+ locations in 35 states. Our facilities handle high-volume distribution of food, beverage, & equipment products to support the operational needs of small businesses. We are committed to quality, safety, & compliance across all products and operations. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a detail-oriented FSQA Testing Specialist to support product testing, compliance, & quality assurance initiatives across our private label & vendor network.

Position Summary

The FSQA Testing Specialist is responsible for coordinating product testing programs, analyzing quality data, & ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards. This role partners closely with third-party laboratories, vendors, & internal teams to evaluate product performance, investigate discrepancies, & support the development of testing protocols that ensure product integrity and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, & highly organized with experience in food safety, quality assurance, or product testing. This individual should be comfortable managing multiple projects, interpreting technical data, & communicating findings across cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

Product Testing & Compliance

• Coordinate & oversee product testing programs, including scheduling with third-party laboratories
• Support foreign facility inspections & ensure alignment with testing and compliance requirements
• Ensure product testing meets internal specifications, regulatory standards, & quality expectations
• Monitor testing timelines & ensure completion of required testing activities
• Maintain accurate records of testing results, certifications, & compliance documentation

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze product testing results to evaluate quality, safety, & specification compliance
• Consolidate laboratory reports & communicate findings, risks, & recommendations to stakeholders
• Identify trends, discrepancies, & areas of concern within testing data
• Support reporting related to product quality, compliance, & testing performance
• Ensure accurate documentation & tracking of all testing outcomes & corrective actions

Quality Evaluation & Assurance

• Conduct internal product quality evaluations to validate product performance & consistency
• Review product specifications to ensure alignment with testing requirements
• Support investigation of product quality issues, including root cause analysis & corrective actions
• Partner with internal teams to ensure product quality standards are clearly defined & maintained
• Assist in ensuring consistency across private label & vendor product quality expectations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with buying, logistics, accounts payable, & operations teams to support product quality initiatives
• Partner with suppliers, vendors, & third-party labs to ensure testing accuracy & compliance
• Communicate testing requirements, results, & action plans to internal & external stakeholders
• Support cross-functional alignment on product specifications, testing protocols, & compliance standards
• Assist with resolving product quality issues across departments

Process Improvement & Systems

• Develop & implement testing tools, data collection systems, & reporting processes
• Support the creation & maintenance of SOPs related to product testing & vendor compliance
• Identify opportunities to improve testing processes, compliance monitoring, & reporting efficiency
• Assist in developing internal tracking systems for vendor product compliance
• Support national testing strategies & continuous improvement initiatives within FSQA

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, product testing, or a related field
• Working knowledge of HACCP, PCQI, & general food safety requirements
• Strong analytical & problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret technical data
• Excellent attention to detail & organizational skills
• Strong written & verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects & meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently & collaboratively across teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with third-party laboratories or product testing programs
• Experience in import, distribution, or wholesale environments
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements for food & non-food (disposable) products
• Experience developing SOPs, testing protocols, or compliance processes
• Experience supporting vendor compliance or quality assurance programs

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of food safety, quality assurance, & product testing methodologies
• High level of accuracy & attention to detail
• Strong analytical & data interpretation skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects & priorities simultaneously
• Strong problem-solving & investigative abilities
• Effective communication & cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to interpret & communicate technical information clearly
• Strong organizational & documentation skills
• Commitment to quality, compliance, & continuous improvement

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) in accordance with company policy
• Six (6) Paid Company Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement Program, subject to eligibility & plan guidelines
• Additional voluntary supplemental benefits, which may include life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance programs, & other optional benefits
• Competitive & comprehensive benefits package designed to support you & your family