Food Safety QA Specialist — 2nd Shift

Dessert Holdings; Newburyport (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Dessert Holdings is seeking a Food Safety Specialist for the Newburyport, MA facility (Dianne's Fine Desserts). This role supports the Food Safety and Quality Management Systems, performing QA functions in the laboratory and manufacturing areas.

Primary shift is the 2nd shift with hours roughly 3:00 pm to 1:00 am and some flexibility. Requires a food science background, HACCP training, and ability to prepare reports and drive continuous improvement in sanitation and safety programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Master’s degree in food science or related field preferred (work experience may substitute).
• Minimum 5 years in food industry with increasing responsibility in food safety, QA, or technical services.
• Certificate in HACCP.
• Knowledge of GFSI standards (BRC or SQF).
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to develop and write food safety and quality programs and procedures.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine audits to ensure compliance with food safety and quality programs, GMPs and sanitation standards, addressing noncompliance as needed.
• Perform environmental sampling and microbiological testing on equipment, facilities, and materials to assess sanitation practices.
• Prepare reports and recommend corrective actions for sanitation audit and environmental monitoring deficiencies.
• Collect and test raw materials and finished products for microbiological, analytical, and sensory evaluation to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Coordinate sample shipments to external labs, ensuring timely and proper delivery.
• Review production documentation for accuracy, report deficiencies, and maintain records per company policy.
• Communicate noncompliance issues, including out-of-specification products and foreign material concerns, with relevant departments.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting to maintain food safety and quality standards.
• Stay updated on industry regulations, customer requirements, and technological developments, informing QA management as needed.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, training, and company meetings.
• Maintain laboratory facilities, equipment, and supplies in accordance with good laboratory practices.
• Oversee instrument calibration, maintain calibration logs, and manage retention samples per customer requirements.
• Coordinate and document shelf-life testing, including sensory and microbial evaluations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in food science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Dessert Holdings is seeking a Food Safety Specialist for the Newburyport, MA facility (Dianne's Fine Desserts). This role supports the Food Safety and Quality Management Systems, performing QA functions in the laboratory and manufacturing areas.

Primary shift is the 2nd shift with hours roughly 3:00 pm to 1:00 am and some flexibility. Requires a food science background, HACCP training, and ability to prepare reports and drive continuous improvement in sanitation and safety programs.