As part of our FS/QA team, you would conduct routine sanitation checks, ensuring that HAACP and USDA regulations are strictly enforced. Providing technical expertise to track product from start to finish, and develop corrective actions when needed. You will be responsible for ensuring that we are able to safely deliver the best Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, or any of our product brands to customers and consumers.

Under guidance of the plant QA Director, the Food Safety Specialist is responsible for coordinating and maintaining Saratoga's environmental food safety programs and projects including HACCP and Environmental Monitoring for both Bolingbrook and Eastvale plant locations. Works closely with QA, Sanitation, Production, and Maintenance at both locations in evaluating and improving equipment and facility condition for food safety.

Develop microbiology-related studies for understanding and management of product and process risks relating to Critical Control Point (CCP) validation experiments.
• Provide and apply technical knowledge (data, literature, etc.) and leadership to assure that the manufacturing processes and environments are microbiologically safe for the production of food products.
• Design of microbiological challenge and validation studies for food products (i.e. shelf life, cook validations).
• Evaluate and provide guidance on proper design of food plants to world-class RTE standards.
• Active food safety leadership in new product development initiatives
• Conduct and document data based risk assessments using technical, scientific, regulatory, and industry inputs. This include active review, interpretation, and communication of recommendations for food safety assessments or investigations.
• Interpret sensitive food safety related technical information and provide objective science based recommendations
• Effectively communicate and liaise with plant quality and plant managers to problem solve, trouble shoot, and resolve food safety issues. This includes education and technical information sharing to continually increase overall knowledge of plant personnel.
• Identify, develop, train, and support execution of food safety programs, controls, processes, and policies and procedures in alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain abreast of current and evolving food safety considerations and best practices.
• Lead general technical food safety projects for construction plants on an as needed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university in Food Science, Microbiology, Animal Science or related field and 2 years' Quality Assurance experience in a food manufacturing environment, required.
• Functional food safety expert in RTE manufacturing.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety, food microbiology, manufacturing processes, food regulations, sanitary design and quality management.
• Ability to develop and execute statistical design of experiments to validate food safety programs.
• Experience or proven ability to apply science based technical knowledge to critical food safety programs (e.g. CCP and preventative control validations, cook validations etc.).
• Experience in the management of Environmental Monitoring Programs (data analysis, trending, reporting, root cause analysis, etc.)
• Proficient in problem solving techniques
• Project management experience. This includes planning, scheduling and coordinating teams and activities to completion.
• Ability to work and interact effectively with all levels in the organization including Plant employees, Peers, and Senior Leaders
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment with respect and sensitivity for diversity

• May have oversight of Quality Assurance Technologists. Provides leadership and guidance to employees in the Quality Assurance Department.

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and assisting in providing appropriate resolutions.

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.

  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.

To learn more about Smithfield's benefits, visit smithfieldfoods.com/careerbenefits.

Headquartered in Smithfield, Va. since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with agricultural roots and a global reach. With more than 60,000 jobs globally, we are dedicated to producing "Good food. Responsibly" and serve as one of the world's leading vertically integrated protein companies. We have pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including our industry-leading commitments to become carbon negative in our U.S. company-owned operations and reduce GHG emissions 30 percent across our entire U.S. value chain by 2030. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield, Eckrich and Nathan's Famous, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.