A-Staffing Is Hiring A Senior Food Safety Specialist

The Senior Food Safety Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of Japanese food and beverages through diligent compliance, audits, and safety procedures. 🍱🛡️

📋 Job Title: Senior Food Safety Specialist

🔹 Industry:

Japanese Food and Beverage Distributor

🔹 Reports to:

QA Manager

🔹 Location:

El Monte, California

🔹 Work Hours:

Monday to Friday, 8AM - 5PM with a 1-hour lunch break

🛠️ Essential Job Functions

• Provides documentation such as spec sheets, raw material specifications (Origin, quality, standards), Audit Certificates, letters of guarantee, etc., to customers upon request.
• Develops and maintains HACCP food safety plans, prerequisite programs including Sanitation, GMPs, Food Defense, Recalls, Allergens, and Vendor Verification Programs.
• Verifies imported products labeling and ingredients to ensure compliance with US regulations.
• Prevents defects by investigating non-conformities, their root causes, and implementing corrective actions.
• Prepares documents for audits, HACCP verifications, and equipment calibrations, ensuring timely completion.
• Analyzes product quality and safety issues to identify workable solutions.
• Investigates customer complaints about quality discrepancies and responds promptly with corrective measures.
• Conducts monthly internal audits to identify quality issues and collaborates with warehouse management for corrective actions.
• Researches import regulations and documentation requirements under USDA, APHIS, and FSIS regulations.
• Assists in facility food safety audits and manages third-party inspections.
• Coordinates with management to audit and approve co-packers, suppliers, and storage facilities, including regular internal audits.
• Maintains documentation for audits, calibration, and verification activities.
• Develops and maintains HACCP and other prerequisite programs such as Sanitation and GMPs.
• Implements and improves all quality systems, including HACCP, FSMA GFSI, pest control, and sanitation programs.
• Updates Quality and Food Safety SOPs to reflect current standards and practices.
• Oversees pest control programs, both in-house and contracted services.
• Coordinates with government inspectors such as USDA and local health authorities during onsite inspections.
• Travels frequently to support other branches and resolve safety-related concerns.
• Participates in company events outside normal working hours, including semiannual inventory counts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

🧍‍♂️ Physical Requirements

• Sitting for most of the workday in an office environment.
• Traveling by car and airplane for business trips.
• Extended computer use, including typing and data entry.
• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, bending, kneeling, and occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds.

🏢 Working Conditions

• Noise Levels: Normal to loud
• Indoor environment

🌐 Other Requirements

• Proficiency in Business-level English is required.
• Japanese language skills are preferred but not mandatory.
• Ability to verify and interpret product labels in Japanese is a plus.
• Maintains a positive attitude and proactive mindset.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Adaptability to changing assignments and workloads.
• Bachelor’s Degree required; Food Science or relevant studies strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of food safety or related experience preferred.

🧠 Knowledge & Skills

• Thorough understanding of food safety procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Basic mathematical skills for calculations, inventory, and measurements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Customer service oriented with problem-solving capabilities.
• Knowledge of Japanese foods and liquors is a plus.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Hourly pay ranges from $27.20 - $38.00, depending on experience and qualifications. ☑️ Benefits include health, vision, dental coverage, and a 401K plan with company matching.