Job Description
(PCQI & SQF Required – FDA & USDA Experience)
Job Summary
The QA Documentation Specialist is responsible for managing and maintaining all Quality Assurance and Food Safety documentation systems in a highly regulated food manufacturing facility (FDA, USDA-FSIS, and SQF-certified – Edition 9 or higher). This is a hands-on compliance role that requires in-depth knowledge of Preventive Controls, HACCP, SQF, FDA 21 CFR 117, and USDA regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, revise, and control all Food Safety Plan documentation, HACCP plans, Preventive Controls, SOPs, SSOPs, specifications, prerequisite programs, and verification/validation records.
- Serve as a key member or backup SQF Practitioner.
- Maintain the complete Food Safety Plan and ensure all supporting documentation is audit-ready at all times (FDA, USDA-FSIS, SQF, customer, and unannounced audits).
- Manage change control, deviations, CAPAs, and recall/withdrawal documentation with full traceability.
- Prepare complete documentation packages for regulatory inspections (FDA, USDA-FSIS) and third-party SQF audits.
- Conduct and document verification/validation activities (process authority letters, challenge studies, environmental monitoring trend reports, etc.).
- Lead or support mock recalls and ensure 100% traceability within 2 hours.
Required Qualifications & Certifications (Non-Negotiable)
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field
- Active PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification – FSPCA certificate required
- Current SQF Practitioner designation or SQF Practitioner training certificate (must currently hold or obtain within 3 months of hire)
- HACCP certification (recognized 2–3 day course)
- Minimum 3 years of QA/FS documentation experience in FDA- and/or USDA-regulated food manufacturing plants
- Direct, hands-on experience with: – FDA 21 CFR Part 117 (Preventive Controls for Human Food) – USDA-FSIS regulations (9 CFR) if the plant produces meat/poultry products – Current SQF Food Safety Code (Edition 9 or higher)
- Proven track record of building/maintaining Food Safety Plans and passing SQF audits with “Excellent” or “A” rating
- Experience with electronic document management systems (MasterControl, TraceGains, SafetyChain, ETQ, etc.)
Strongly Preferred
- SQF Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor training
- Experience in facilities regulated by both FDA and USDA-FSIS
- Trained backup for annual Food Safety Plan reanalysis
- Knowledge of FSMA Intentional Adulteration / Food Defense
- This role demands immediate contribution to SQF, FDA, and USDA compliance with no learning curve on the core certification schemes.
Salary: Based on experience
Company Description
As a manufacturer of Italian savory goods, DePalo Foods believes in connecting families through the food they eat at home. Our products are created from family recipes passed down from generation to generation. From pizza dough, to strombolis and calzones, to pinwheels and more, DePalo creates delicious food that families can enjoy around the table at the end of a long day..
As a manufacturer of Italian savory goods, DePalo Foods believes in connecting families through the food they eat at home. Our products are created from family recipes passed down from generation to generation. From pizza dough, to strombolis and calzones, to pinwheels and more, DePalo creates delicious food that families can enjoy around the table at the end of a long day..
