Industry: Food
Location: El Monte, CA
Salary: $27.2 - $38/hour
Visa Sponsor: No
Language: English: Business Level, Japanese: Business Level
Detail: A Japanese food trading company is seeking Senior Food Safety Specialist
Essential Job Functions
• Provides documents to customers when requested – spec sheet, raw material specifications (Origin, quality, standards of ingredients used in production), Audit Certificates (Audit Checklist, Certificate of Analysis – lab tests), letter of guarantee, etc.
• Develops and maintains Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) food safety plans, and prerequisite programs such as Sanitation, Good Manufacturing/Distribution Practice (GMP)'s for food storage and distribution, Food Defense, Recall, Allergen and Supplier Verification (Vendor's Program)
• Verifies imported products’ labeling and ingredients; assure they are in compliance with US regulations.
• Prevents defects by investigating non-conformities, their root causes, and implementing corrective actions
• Ensures all required documents are ready as scheduled for audits, HACCP verifications, and equipment calibrations
• Identifies solutions by analyzing product quality and food safety issues
• Investigates customer complaints about quality discrepancies and takes corrective actions; responds to customers in a timely manner
• Conducts monthly internal audits to discover any quality discrepancies; works closely with warehouse management to adapt corrective actions in time.
• Researches import regulations and required documents for products under USDA/APHIS/FSIS jurisdiction
• Assists in facility food safety internal audits as well as manages third party audits.
• Works with the appropriate management personnel to audit and approve the selected co-packers, suppliers, and storage facilities. Conducts monthly internal audits and works closely with warehouse management to implement any corrective actions.
• Ensures documentations for audits, equipment calibration, and HACCP related verification records are completed as scheduled.
• Develops and maintains Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans and other prerequisite food safety programs such as Sanitation, Good Manufacturing/Distribution Practice (GMP)'s for food storage and distribution, Food Defense, Recall, Allergen and Supplier Verification (Vendor's Program).
• Implements, maintains, and improves all quality systems (i.e. HACCP, FSMA GFSI, Pest, Sanitation etc).
• Develops, maintains, and revises updates of all Quality and Food Safety SOPs.
• Oversight of facility pest control programs to include in-house program and contracted program from external service providers.
• Receives and companies with inspectors from governmental agencies (e.g., USDA, Local Health Department) for onsite inspection.
• Travels frequently to support other branches to solve their safety related issues.
• Attends Company events and functions outside of normal working hours
• Attends semiannual inventory count on designated day, possibly on a weekend
• Other duties as assigned
Physical Requirements
• Able to go on business trip by car and airplane
• Able to type and use a computer for extended periods of time
• Able to stand, walk, reach, bend, kneel, and lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Working Conditions
o Noise Level: Normal to loud
o Indoors
Other Requirements
• Business level English required
• Business level Japanese preferred
• Ability to verify product labels in Japanese preferred
• Maintains a positive attitude
• Able to work independently and as a team
• Able to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload
• Bachelor’s Degree required; Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or relevant studies strongly preferred
• 3+ years of food safety or other relevant experience preferred
Knowledge and Skills
• Knowledge of food safety procedures
• Demonstrates basic Microsoft Office proficiency
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Possesses basic mathematical knowledge such as markups, discounts, counting inventory, weight and measurement conversions, combining, etc.
• Has strong communications and interpersonal skills
• Has strong customer service and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of Japanese foods and liquors preferred
