QA Food Safety Specialist

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

Food Safety Specialist (2nd shift)

Are you ready to elevate your career in manufacturing operations and be a part of creating the world's best desserts? Dessert Holdings partners with some of North America's most iconic chains to bring people together to celebrate life's sweetest moments!

About The Role

Dessert Holdings is looking for a Food Safety Specialist at ourfacility in Newburyport, MA (Dianne's Fine Desserts). This individual will perform QA functions in the laboratory and manufacturing facility and support the Food Safety and Quality Management Systems. This is primarily a day shift position, with hours between 3:00 pm. and 1:00 am., with flexibility required.

Key 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Master's degree in food science or related science / technical field preferred. Work experience is lieu of degree is acceptable.
• Minimum of 5 years overall food industry experience in positions of increasing responsibility in Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and/or Technical Services.
• Certificate of training and actual experience in HACCP.
• Knowledge of the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) including BRC or SQF.
• Very good analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to develop, maintain, and write food safety and quality programs and procedures.
• Ability to review and interpret data and prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations to upper management.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Solid computer skills Microsoft Office, manufacturing / quality databases.

About Dessert Holdings

Dessert Holdings is North America's fastest-growing premium dessert company, recognized for providing retail and foodservice customers with chef-inspired, innovative desserts made with real ingredients, a flexible and low-cost supply chain, and best-in-class service. The company is a collection of premium dessert companies and brands: Steven Charles, The Original Cakerie, Lawler's Desserts, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Kenny's Great Pies, Willamette Valley Pie Company, and Dianne's Fine Desserts. Dessert Holdings is owned by Bain Capital, employing more than 3,200 people across ten manufacturing facilities, and is continuing its journey of rapid growth.

EEO Statement

Dessert Holdings and its related entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristics protected by law.