FSQ Internal Auditor

Kettle Cuisine, LLC.; Savage (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Kettle Cuisine, LLC. is seeking an FSQ Internal Auditor based in Savage, MD to plan and conduct objective audits of food-safety and quality programs across sites. The role travels quarterly to assess conformance, document evidence, and verify corrective actions.

Responsibilities include developing audit schedules, conducting on-site audits, communicating findings, and escalating significant risks to ensure timely resolution and continual improvement across the network.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Quality, or related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Three or more years of experience in food manufacturing, FSQ, auditing, or a related technical role.
• Formal internal-auditor training and working knowledge of food-safety and quality-system audit methods; HACCP or PCQI training preferred.
• Strong observation, interviewing, documentation, and report-writing skills; able to travel regularly and work independently at multiple sites.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive findings professionally and follow through on corrective-action verification.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a risk-informed audit schedule covering assigned food-safety and quality programs across sites.
• Conduct on-site audits at least quarterly using approved criteria and consistent methods; review records, observe practices, interview personnel, and document objective evidence.
• Communicate findings clearly, distinguish observations from conclusions, and issue reports within agreed timelines.
• Agree corrective-action owners and due dates with site leadership; track completion, review evidence, and verify effectiveness before recommending closure.
• Escalate significant or overdue findings through established FSQ channels and maintain complete, controlled audit records.
• Coordinate audit scope and criteria with the relevant Food Safety or Quality Programs Manager while avoiding audits of work for which the auditor is directly responsible.
• Identify recurring themes and opportunities for system-level improvement across sites, as well as across the network between Quality and Food Safety Programs.

Skills

Audit planning

Documentation

Interviewing

Observation

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Safety, or related field

Internal-auditor training; HACCP/PCQI preferred

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Savage Plant - Savage, MD 20763, Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 Salary, Job Description

The FSQ Internal Auditor plans and conducts objective internal audits of food-safety and/or quality programs across Kettle Cuisine sites. Based in Savage, Maryland, the role travels to sites quarterly to assess conformance with applicable Food Safety & Quality Plans, document evidence and findings, and verify completion and effectiveness of corrective actions. The role provides practical feedback while preserving auditor objectivity and escalating significant risks promptly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a risk-informed audit schedule covering assigned food-safety and quality programs across sites.
• Conduct on-site audits at least quarterly using approved criteria and consistent methods; review records, observe practices, interview personnel, and document objective evidence.
• Communicate findings clearly, distinguish observations from conclusions, and issue reports within agreed timelines.
• Agree corrective-action owners and due dates with site leadership; track completion, review evidence, and verify effectiveness before recommending closure.
• Escalate significant or overdue findings through established FSQ channels and maintain complete, controlled audit records.
• Coordinate audit scope and criteria with the relevant Food Safety or Quality Programs Manager while avoiding audits of work for which the auditor is directly responsible.
• Identify recurring themes and opportunities for system-level improvement across sites, as well as across the network between Quality and Food Safety Programs.

Qualifications (Education / Experience / Skills)

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Quality, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Three or more years of experience in food manufacturing, FSQ, auditing, or a related technical role.
• Formal internal-auditor training and working knowledge of food-safety and quality-system audit methods; HACCP or PCQI training preferred.
• Strong observation, interviewing, documentation, and report-writing skills; able to travel regularly and work independently at multiple sites.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive findings professionally and follow through on corrective-action verification.

Success Measures

• Planned quarterly audits are completed with consistent criteria and well-supported findings.
• Corrective actions have clear owners, due dates, documented evidence, and effectiveness verification.
• Significant and recurring risks are escalated and communicated promptly.

As a Leader Within the Kettle Cuisine Team, You Are Expected To

• Model and support Kettle Cuisine’s Core Values and safety culture.
• Develop individual team members and their careers.
• Create a culture of accountability and performance.
• Drive a focus on quality assurance and continuous improvement.
• Plan work, track results, and resolve issues.

Required Attributes

• Self-directed, with high integrity and sound judgment.
• Positive, collaborative, and able to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Organized and able to manage priorities, projects, and metrics in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills appropriate to the role.
• Willing to address difficult situations with patience and respect.
• Able to provide after-hours support for critical issues when required by the role.
• Enthusiastic about food and committed to safe, high-quality products.