Food Compliance Specialist
A Food Compliance Specialist ensures that food products and processes meet regulatory standards set by government and industry bodies. They perform audits, verify labels, and ensure food safety.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Food Compliance Specialist
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
A Food Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring that a company's food products and processes comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. This entry-level position involves reviewing labeling, advertising, and marketing materials, as well as monitoring product formulations and manufacturing processes.
Required Skills
- Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
- Basic understanding of food production and processing.
- Efficient research and documentation abilities.
- Good teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and industry-related software.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, or a related field.
- Knowledge of FDA and USDA regulations, as well as state and local health codes.
- Ability to interpret and apply food laws and regulations.
- Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Review and verify food product labels for regulatory compliance.
- Assist in the development and implementation of compliance strategies for food products.
- Monitor regulations and industry standards to ensure company’s products and processes remain compliant.
- Collaborate with product development teams to ensure compliance in new products.
- Conduct research on food regulations and provide guidance to the company.
- Perform compliance audits and prepare reports of findings.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Food Compliance Specialist, you will be responsible for ensuring that our company's products and processes meet all regulatory standards for food safety and quality. You will work closely with production teams to implement compliance strategies and maintain documentation on regulatory requirements.
Required Skills
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to identify potential compliance issues.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary to liaise with regulatory bodies and internal teams.
- Proficient in using compliance software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Microbiology, or related field.
- 2-5 years of experience in food safety, quality control, or regulatory compliance.
- Strong understanding of FDA, USDA, and other relevant food safety regulations.
- Previous experience conducting audits and inspections.
- Certification in HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is highly desirable.
Responsibilities
- Conduct internal audits and inspections to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal food safety regulations.
- Work with production teams to develop and implement compliance plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations and inform management of any changes in legislation.
- Assist with the training of personnel in food safety and compliance practices.
- Review labels, packaging, and marketing materials for regulatory accuracy.
- Collaborate with quality assurance teams to resolve any compliance issues that may arise.
- Prepare and submit necessary compliance reports to regulatory agencies.
- Monitor the supply chain for any risks that may affect food safety and compliance.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
A Food Compliance Specialist ensures that food products and processes meet established safety and quality standards as well as regulatory requirements. They are responsible for keeping up-to-date with food legislation, performing audits, and collaborating with various departments to maintain compliance.
Required Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
- Leadership and team management skills.
- Proficient in the use of compliance management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Microbiology, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in a food safety/compliance role.
- In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP, FSMA) and quality assurance principles.
- Experience with third-party audits and certifications such as BRC, SQF, or ISO 22000.
- Strong understanding of the production processes in the food industry.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing effective compliance programs.
Responsibilities
- Conduct regular internal reviews and audits to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal food safety regulations.
- Oversee the development and implementation of compliance-related policies and procedures within the organization.
- Work closely with production teams to ensure that all food safety and quality parameters are met consistently.
- Coordinate with regulatory bodies for inspections, certifications, and inquiries, and manage all related documentation.
- Lead training sessions for staff on compliance standards and procedures.
- Review and update existing documentation, policies, and procedures to reflect current regulations.
- Serve as the point of contact for all internal and external compliance inquiries.
- Analyze compliance trends and data to recommend improvements in processes and controls.
- Manage crisis situations, including food recalls or safety breaches, and implement corrective actions.
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