Quality Specialist

Callizo Aromas; Palestine (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

PTO

Paid holidays

Training opportunities

Stable environment

Job summary

Callizo Aromas LLC in Palestine, Texas, seeks a seasoned Food Safety & Quality Specialist to lead QA/QC in a flavor manufacturing plant. You will design the QMS, oversee HACCP, GMP, and regulatory compliance, and manage audits and recalls.

The role requires directing laboratory operations, ensuring product release accuracy, and guiding the QA team through CAPA, root cause analysis, and training initiatives; bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, or related field (Required).
• Master's degree in Food Science, Quality Management, or related field (Preferred).
• Minimum 3 years in Quality Control/Assurance in food industry.
• 1–2 years in leadership or supervisory role (Preferred).
• Experience with SQF, BRC, or equivalent certifications.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain the plant's Quality Management System (QMS).
• Oversee HACCP, GMP, sanitation, allergen control, and foreign material control programs.
• Coordinate analyses of raw materials and finished products.
• Lead audits (SQF, BRC, FDA, customers) and manage CAPA and corrective actions.
• Supervise laboratory operations and ensure equipment calibration.

Skills

Quality leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food-related field

Master's degree (Preferred)

Tools

FMEA

SPC

CAPA

Root cause analysis

Job description

Reports To: Director of Operations / Plant Manager

Industry: Food Flavoring Manufacturing

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Callizo Aromas LLC is a leading manufacturer of food flavorings headquartered in Palestine, Texas. We produce natural and artificial flavors for the food and beverage industry at both national and international levels. Our commitment to quality, food safety, and innovation positions us as a trusted strategic partner for our customers.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to join our Quality Assurance and Control Department. The Food Safety & Quality Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that all manufactured products meet the highest standards of quality, food safety, and applicable regulatory requirements. This role is critical to the plant's operational success and to maintaining the company's certifications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Quality Management System

• Design, implement, and maintain the plant's Quality Management System (QMS).
• Develop, review, and update quality manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and records.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and applicable external regulations.
• Oversee document control and version management of all quality documents.

2. Food Safety & Control

• Implement and oversee the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan.
• Manage food safety programs: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), sanitation, allergen control, and foreign material control.
• Coordinate microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory analyses of raw materials and finished products.
• Oversee end-to-end product traceability.
• Manage the product Recall Program.

3. Certifications & Regulatory Compliance

• Obtain, maintain, and renew key industry certifications, including:
• SQF (Safe Quality Food) – Level 2 or 3
• BRC (British Retail Consortium) Global Standard for Food Safety
• ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000
• Kosher and/or Halal (as applicable)
• Organic certifications (if applicable)
• Ensure compliance with the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and its regulations (PCQI – Preventive Controls Qualified Individual).
• Comply with applicable USDA, EPA, and Texas state regulations.
• Manage FDA registrations and keep the Food Safety Plan up to date.

4. Audits

• Plan, coordinate, and lead preparation for third-party audits (SQF, BRC, customers, FDA, etc.).
• Conduct periodic internal audits across all plant areas.
• Manage findings (non-conformances), develop corrective action plans (CAPA), and follow up to closure.
• Maintain direct communication with certification bodies and external auditors.
• Prepare and present audit performance reports to Management.
• Develop and maintain the supplier approval and evaluation program.
• Review and approve specifications for raw materials, ingredients, and packaging materials.
• Manage supplier non-conformances and coordinate corrective actions.

6. Complaints & Non-Conformances

• Handle and manage customer complaints related to product quality.
• Investigate root causes (Root Cause Analysis) and coordinate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Administer the non-conforming product and returns program.

7. Quality Laboratory

• Supervise plant quality control laboratory operations.
• Ensure calibration and maintenance of measurement and laboratory equipment.
• Perform and supervise relevant quality analyses (physicochemical, microbiological, organoleptic, and sensory) for incoming raw materials, in-process product, and finished goods, ensuring compliance with established specifications prior to release or rejection.
• Coordinate analyses with accredited external laboratories when necessary.
• Establish and update analysis methods and product acceptance parameters.
• Lead, train, and develop the Quality Control team (QC Technicians, Lab Analysts).
• Design and deliver food safety, GMP, and quality training programs for all plant personnel.
• Foster a culture of quality and food safety throughout the organization.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in: Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, or a related field. (Required)
• Master's degree in Food Science, Quality Management, or related field. (Preferred)

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience in Quality Control/Assurance in the food industry.
• Minimum 1–2 years in a leadership or quality team supervisory position. (Preferred)
• Proven experience obtaining and maintaining SQF, BRC, or equivalent certifications.
• Experience in flavor, ingredient, or specialty food product manufacturing. (Preferred)

Certifications & Technical Knowledge

• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) Certification – FDA FSMA. (Preferred)
• ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000 Internal Auditor Certification. (Preferred)
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, FSMA, FDA 21 CFR.
• Proficiency in quality tools: FMEA, SPC, CAPA, Root Cause Analysis.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
• Analytical mindset, attention to detail, and ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Bilingual: English and Spanish (spoken and written). (Preferred)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (advanced Excel) and ERP systems.
• Availability to support audits at any time and occasional travel.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

We offer a competitive compensation package commensurate with the candidate's experience and profile:

Compensation Package

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off – Vacation and Sick Days (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Professional training and development opportunities
• Stable, collaborative, and growing work environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position requires work in a food manufacturing plant, including production areas, laboratory, warehouse, and administrative offices. The candidate must be comfortable wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and complying with all plant hygiene and food safety requirements.

Callizo Aromas LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.