Independent Contractor SQF Auditor - Quality

NSF; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

NSF is seeking an experienced Food Safety Auditor to conduct SQF-recognized audits and partner with manufacturers to strengthen compliance and consumer trust. You will evaluate food safety systems, report audit outcomes, and support continuous improvement across diverse client operations.

This client-facing role requires a Lead Auditor credential, SQF certification, and strong HACCP knowledge. Travel to client sites is expected, with opportunities to expand competencies across certification

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in food or packaging auditing.
• Lead Auditor Course (SQF, BRCGS or FSSC 22000) completed.
• HACCP Certification (2-day course with certificate).
• SQF Auditor Certification current.
• Certified in Category 00 Quality and prior GFSI audit experience.
• FDA PCQI course completed.
• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in a related field.
• Audit log with 80+ HACCP-based audits (internal audits excluded).
• Ability to work with multiple Certification Bodies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct GFSI certification food safety audits per standards and accreditation.
• Analyze, document, summarize, and evaluate audit findings clearly.
• Communicate audit results and nonconformities to client management.
• Develop and execute efficient audit work plans for timely completion.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams and clients.
• Complete required auditor training, documentation, and admin tasks.
• Maintain food safety competencies and credentials.
• Qualify for and conduct additional audit types as needed.
• Perform other duties to support audit program excellence.

Skills

Audit & QA knowledge

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Client-facing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Food Safety Auditor to conduct SQF recognized food safety audits and partner with food manufacturers to strengthen compliance, quality, and consumer trust. In this highly visible role, you will serve as a trusted technical expert—evaluating food safety systems, communicating audit outcomes, and supporting continuous improvement across diverse client operations. This role is ideal for a seasoned food safety professional who thrives in a dynamic, client-facing environment and is committed to the highest standards of food safety and audit integrity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct GFSI Certification food safety audits in accordance with applicable standards and accreditation requirements
• Analyze, document, summarize, and evaluate audit findings clearly and accurately
• Communicate audit results, nonconformities, and conclusions effectively to client site management and designated representatives
• Develop and execute efficient, well-structured audit work plans to ensure timely completion of assigned audits
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams and external clients
• Complete all required auditor training, documentation, and administrative tasks in a timely manner
• Maintain required food safety competencies, credentials, and qualifications
• Qualify for and conduct additional audit types as business needs evolve
• Perform other duties as assigned to support audit program excellence

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience working in food or packaging
• Successful completion of a Lead Auditor Course (5 days / 40 hours) either in SQF, BRCGS or FSSC 22000
• HACCP Certification (2-day course with certificate)
• Current SQF Auditor Certification
• Certified and experience working in Category 00 Quality
• Prior auditing experience in within GFSI-certified environment
• FDA Preventative Course Quality Individual (PCQI) course
• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Food Science, Food Safety, Packaging, Quality Assurance or a related field
• Documented audit log with 80+ hours of HACCP-based food safety audits (Internal audits do not qualify)
• Ability to work with multiple Certification Bodies (CBs)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong professional relationships
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel
• Availability for a minimum of 60 audit days per year

About Us

With a legacy spanning more than 80 years, NSF leverages science and innovation to improve human and planet health. We provide science-driven, independent testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services and develop the very standards that drive the food, water, and life sciences industries worldwide. We empower our clients to navigate shifting regulations to improve consumer health, safety, and quality of life.

One of our core values is We Are One NSF. This means that while we’re one team, we embrace the cultural, ethnic, language, and demographic diversity that reflects the societies in which we live and work.

Come join a team that makes a difference in the world. More information about NSF can be found at nsf.org.

NSF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.

About The Team

As pioneers in the food safety industry, NSF is proud to play a vitally important role in helping food service businesses of all sizes, from local cafes to multinational supermarket brands, stay ahead of risks, regulations and consumer expectations, while delivering on their commitment to food safety and public health.