FSQA Specailist

CAVA; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Unlimited PTO

Health and dental benefits

401k with company contribution

Free CAVA food

Job summary

A vibrant food company in Washington, DC, is looking for a Food Safety and Quality Assurance Specialist. The role requires overseeing supplier compliance and ensuring food safety standards are met. Candidates should have extensive experience in food processing and a degree in a related field. The position offers competitive salary, benefits, and a dynamic work environment focused on teamwork and positivity.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in food safety and compliance or 3+ years with relevant degree.
• Experience with GFSI standards and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to travel as needed, approximately 20%.

Responsibilities

• Monitor supplier performance and ensure food safety standards are met.
• Support supplier onboarding and compliance processes.
• Conduct audits and engage with suppliers for compliance.

Skills

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

MS Office

Job description

Overview

Company Profile At CAVA we make it deliciously simple to eat well and feel good every day. We are guided by a Mediterranean heritage that’s been perfecting how to eat and live for four thousand years. We prioritize authenticity, curiosity and the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. We are working towards something big, together.

We Foster a Culture Built On Five Core Values

• Generosity First, Always: We lead with kindness. Our best work happens when we act in service of others.
• Constant Curiosity: We are eager to learn, grow, and explore beyond the obvious.
• Act with Agility: We welcome change; it’s the only constant. We embrace, adjust, adapt.
• Passion for Positivity: We greet each day with warmth and possibility.
• Collective Ambition: We have high aspirations that are achieved when we work together with a shared purpose.

What You’ll Do

• Remain current and aware of relevant regulations and legislation as they pertain to supplier and distribution center requirements.
• Support the supplier onboarding and compliance process including the review of documentation, follow-up when necessary, monitoring performance and conducting on-site food safety or quality audits.
• Review documentation and engage with suppliers to ensure CAVA food safety standards are met.
• Monitor supplier performance including trending nonconformances, initiating investigations as needed and ensuring concerns are resolved in a timely manner.
• Utilize data and reporting to communicate findings and propose recommendations to the FSQA team.
• Support traceability program needs and mock withdrawals/recalls.
• Work closely with other departments to provide guidance on, and assure implementation of, Food Safety and Quality Assurance programs.
• Product Review / Release – reviewing production checks for completeness to release product.
• Assist with planning and coordinating product evaluations, documenting observations and sharing feedback with culinary and supply chain partners.
• Abide by policies and procedures that support a service mindset and manage timeline expectations across teams.
• Earn the trust of team members and managers by consistently embracing CAVA’s values and delivering performance, communication, and positive attitude.
• Actively contribute to the department to complete tasks and meet company goals; recognize the emotional stake in success.

The Qualifications

• Collaborative and able to work well in a team environment with both internal and external contacts and communicate clearly.
• 5+ years of experience with food processing plants (USDA and/or FDA), specifically related to food safety, regulatory, supplier and distribution compliance and GFSI auditing; or 3+ years experience and a Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry or related field preferred.
• Experience with supplier and distribution center auditing, monitoring, and approval programs.
• Understanding and experience with GFSI standards.
• Direct experience ensuring compliance with various regulatory requirements.
• Comfortable analyzing information and communicating findings using data analysis tools (e.g., Excel).
• Proficient in MS Office programs; ability to create trend reports using Excel.
• Ability to travel as needed (20%+) and work flexible hours.
• Detail-oriented and able to manage projects and work independently.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maintain a stationary position to operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Must be able to identify, analyze and assess details.
• For certain positions, ability to occasionally move or transport items up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively.
• Constant ability to move about to support restaurant or food production operations, as applicable.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives*
• Early Wage Access
• Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, plus opportunities to give back to the community
• Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more
• 401k enrollment with CAVA contribution
• Company-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions*
• Free CAVA food
• Casual work environment
• Opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand
• All exempt and non-exempt employees are eligible for benefits; benefits effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of service and enrollment is available via a link emailed to the new hire.
• Please note that visa sponsorship is not available.
• The posting range is an all-cash range.

EEO Statement CAVA – Joining “A culture, not a concept.” As an equal opportunity employer, CAVA considers applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.