Description
A renowned leader in the printing and packaging industry, our client is celebrated for their unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous innovation. The company cultivates a collaborative and growth-driven work atmosphere and is actively seeking a dedicated SQF Practitioner to join their ranks.
JOB SUMMARY:
The SQF Practitioner is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, review, and maintenance of the Safe Quality Food (SQF) System within the food industry and packaging sector. With 4-5 years of experience in the food industry or packaging industry and relevant training, the SQF Practitioner ensures compliance with regulatory standards, drives continuous improvement and maintains a strong focus on quality assurance and food safety. The role involves leading multiple teams, conducting audits, implementing corrective actions, and establishing a new department or function if required.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Develop, implement, review, and maintain the SQF System, including food safety fundamentals and the food safety plan, in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- Take appropriate action to ensure the integrity of the SQF System, identifying and addressing any gaps or non-compliance issues promptly.
- Communicate all essential information related to the SQF System effectively to relevant personnel, ensuring proper understanding and implementation.
- Serve as the Recall Team Leader, working closely with Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA) and liaising with regulatory authorities in the event of product recalls or safety concerns.
- Act as a member of the Business Continuity Planning Team, contributing to the development and execution of plans to ensure uninterrupted operations during crises or emergencies.
- Assume responsibility for regulatory matters concerning quality and food safety, staying updated on relevant regulations, and ensuring compliance.
- Provide leadership in developing and fostering a strong food safety culture throughout the organization, promoting awareness and adherence to food safety principles among all staff members.
- Serve as the Food Security Team Leader, overseeing security measures to protect against food adulteration or tampering.
- Review and approve SQF procedures, policies, HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), and food safety plans, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- Validate HACCP and Food Safety Plans, ensuring their effectiveness in controlling food safety hazards.
- Oversee internal audits to assess the compliance of processes, procedures, and documentation with SQF standards.
- Manage customer complaints related to food safety issues, investigating and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
- Lead the Management Reviews and SQF Updates, coordinating the evaluation and improvement of the SQF System's effectiveness.
- Conduct annual reviews of the HACCP Plan, Food Safety Plan, Food Fraud Vulnerability and Mitigation Plan, identifying areas for enhancement and ensuring ongoing compliance.
- Take charge of Corrective Actions and Preventive Actions (CAPA), Traceability, and Product and Equipment Hold Programs, ensuring effective implementation and resolution of identified issues.
- Participate in the New Product Development process, providing guidance on food safety requirements and overseeing the implementation of relevant protocols.
- Oversee the training of service providers and contractors, ensuring they adhere to food safety standards and requirements.
- Manage the Vendor Management Files, maintaining records for foreign and domestic suppliers, assessing their compliance with food safety regulations and specifications.
- Maintain product specifications, ensuring accuracy and alignment with regulatory standards and customer requirements.
- Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) across all relevant processes and departments, fostering a culture of adherence to established protocols.
- Participate in and facilitate audits, both internal and external, to assess the effectiveness of the SQF System and identify areas for improvement or corrective actions.
- Coordinate and oversee lab testing activities, ensuring accurate and timely analysis of samples to verify product quality and safety.
- Carry out various quality duties, including conducting inspections, monitoring product quality parameters, and implementing quality control measures to maintain high standards.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, implement best practices, and optimize processes throughout the organization.
- Ensure that all internal and external corrective action requests are satisfactorily completed within the designated time frame.
- Responsible for maintaining the Quality System and SQF code in the plant.
- Work closely with Operations Management & Staff to promote and drive a strong Food Safety Culture.
- Reports to the Manager/Supervisor, any QC issues or barriers encountered in the accomplishments of all duties.
- Addresses all QC issues and works with all respected departments to resolve and report back to the customer service team.
- When there is a product deviation, responsible for reporting and recommending corrective actions and preventative measures based on root cause analysis to implement compliance;
- Monitor quality, accuracy, and timeliness of all orders to ensure customer commitments are met through production of high-quality material that meets customer delivery expectations.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 2-3 years of experience in the food industry or packaging industry, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of industry-specific requirements and practices.
- An educational degree in one or more of the following: Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Packaging Engineering, Quality Assurance or Quality Management, Industrial Engineering, Business and/or Management.
- Experience in conducting and participating in audits, including internal, third-party, and regulatory audits, to ensure compliance with standards and identify areas for improvement.
- Familiarity with lab testing procedures, including drainage testing, to verify product quality and safety, and identify potential hazards.
- Proficiency in quality duties, such as monitoring product quality, performing inspections, and implementing quality control measures, to maintain high standards throughout the organization.
- Knowledge and experience in driving continuous improvement initiatives, utilizing methodologies like Lean Six Sigma, to optimize processes, reduce waste, and enhance overall efficiency.
- Ability to develop and implement Corrective Action items to address non-conformities, deviations, and customer complaints, ensuring effective resolution and prevention of recurrence.
- Experience in establishing and leading a new department or function within the food industry or packaging sector, with the ability to build infrastructure, define roles, and align processes with standards and requirements.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Intensive computer work and extended use of the computer keyboard and mouse.
- Sitting for prolonged periods of time – up to 8 hours per day.
- Role will be primary onsite. Note that in office and/or working remotely is required at the sole discretion of the company.
- Occasional lifting of objects up to 25 lbs.
- Work area may have fluorescent lighting and air conditioning.
- Noise level is usually moderate to loud.
- Exposure to ink and chemical fumes, and airborne particles such as paper dust and drying powder.
- Appearance at all times must represent the company image.
- Fast-paced environment: subject to numerous schedule and priority changes and short notice activity.
- Occasional additional hours may be required due to operational requirements.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. You will be expected to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested by your supervisor.