FSQA Intern

Russell Stover; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Russell Stover Chocolates is seeking a hands-on FSQA Intern to support food safety and quality systems. You will assist with data collection, supplier documentation, and audits while learning from cross-functional teams across the organization.

The role offers exposure to Industry tools, reporting analytics, and special projects, with a final presentation of outcomes. Preferred for students pursuing related degrees with graduation 2027–2029.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s in Food Science, Food Tech, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or related field with graduation between Dec 2027 and Jun 2029.
• Curious, proactive, and eager to learn.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Coursework or knowledge in Food Safety, HACCP, Food Microbiology, Food Defense, or Quality Systems.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Strong attention to detail and initiative.
• Excellent communication skills and fluent English.

Responsibilities

• Assist with ingredient hazard and food fraud assessments by collecting and analyzing data.
• Support EMP, Food Defense, and FS Plan reviews and updates.
• Help prepare for internal and third‑party audits with documentation tracking.
• Review supplier documentation in TraceGains for compliance.
• Analyze supplier, ingredient, packaging and quality data for trends and improvements.
• Assist with product reviews and quality decisions.

Skills

Bachelor's degree/coursework not in 'D

Job description

At Russell Stover, not only do we love chocolate, but we love our jobs! Every day we go to work exhibiting our values of excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, responsibility, and collaboration. Working at Russell Stover you’ll be part of the leading manufacturer of boxed, seasonal, and sugar-free chocolates. For over 100 years, Russell Stover Chocolates, Whitman’s, and Pangburn’s have been crafted with the finest ingredients to bring happiness to generations. Today, we produce over 55 million pounds of chocolate annually, and our legacy brands can be found in 13 company-owned stores and over 9,000 wholesale accounts.

Join our team and let’s continue making chocolate lovers happy!

Join us for a summer internship where you’ll gain hands‑on experience, contribute to meaningful projects, and learn from teams across one of America’s most iconic chocolate brands. At Russell Stover, you’ll build real‑world skills, grow your network, and make an impact in a supportive, collaborative environment.

A day in the life…

As an FSQA Intern, you'll develop practical experience in food safety and quality systems by supporting projects that impact product quality, supplier compliance, and risk management. You'll gain exposure to industry tools, reporting and analytics, audit processes, and cross‑functional collaboration while learning from professionals across the organization.

What you will be doing…

• Assist with Ingredient Hazard Assessments (IHA) and Food Fraud Vulnerability Assessments by collecting, analyzing, and evaluating ingredient and supplier data to support food safety and risk management programs.
• Support Food Safety and Quality Assurance corporate initiatives, including Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) projects, Food Defense activities, and Food Safety Plan reviews and updates.
• Assist with preparation for internal and third‑party audits by reviewing documentation, tracking action items, and supporting audit readiness efforts.
• Review and manage supplier documentation in TraceGains for ingredients and packaging materials to ensure compliance with company requirements.
• Analyze supplier, ingredient, packaging and quality data to identify trends and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with product reviews, product extension evaluations, and documentation updates to support quality and food safety decision‑making.
• Support the evaluation and potential implementation of TraceGains API functionality and reporting solutions, including Power BI dashboards, as system access and project feasibility allow.
• Participate in special projects and other quality assurance activities as assigned
• Attend professional development workshops and networking events
• Deliver a final presentation showcasing your project outcomes and learnings.

If visiting our manufacturing plants, you will be expected to:

• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure product quality and maintain compliance with food safety standards.
• Complete and follow FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure consumer safety, and support the plant’s food safety and quality objectives.
• Promptly report and take appropriate action on any observed or potential food safety hazards, process deviations, or non‑conformities by notifying the designated plant supervisor, in accordance with your role and responsibilities.
• Actively contributes to the continuous improvement of the company’s Food Safety Culture through engagement and actions aligned with your role.

This job posting is not all inclusive and other duties may be assigned.

Do you have what it takes?

Basic Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry or related field with a graduation between December 2027 and June 2029.
• Curious, proactive, and eager to learn
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Coursework or knowledge in Food Safety, HACCP, Food Microbiology, Food Defense, or Quality Systems.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to take initiative
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in the consumer packaged goods or manufacturing industry
• Experience analyzing data and preparing reports

At Russell Stover Chocolates, we don’t just accept difference - we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. Russell Stover Chocolates is proud to be an equal‑opportunity workplace.

We provide equal employment opportunities to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Employment by Russell Stover Chocolates is contingent upon I‑9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, education verification, and satisfactory reference and background checks.

Make Happy. Work Happy.