Regulatory and Compliance Specialist

C.H. Guenther & Son; Elk Grove (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Regulatory & Compliance Specialist at C.H. Guenther & Son in Elk Grove, CA supports the QA Manager in developing, implementing, maintaining, and enforcing food safety, quality, and regulatory programs, including SQF.

This role helps ensure compliance with regulatory, customer, and certification requirements and oversees day-to-day SQF program administration to maintain certification readiness. The specialist conducts annual reassessments of the SQF Manual, coordinates updates, verifies

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science or equivalent field.
• Experience developing and maintaining food safety and quality programs.
• Experience with SQF certification audits and readiness.
• Strong documentation, training delivery, and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Support QA Manager with QA activities for Food Safety and Quality Programs.
• Enforce company rules, policies, and SOPs.
• Maintain SQF documents, records, and supplier approvals.
• Coordinate SQF audits and annual reassessments of the SQF Manual.
• Train staff on food safety procedures and compliance.
• Communicate changes to processes across departments.
• Assist with regulatory compliance and continual improvement initiatives.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

SQF expertise

QA program administration

Documentation & training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food science or equivalent field

Tools

SQF program knowledge

HACCP plans

GMP compliance

Job description

The Regulatory & Compliance Specialist supports the QA Manager in developing, implementing, maintaining, and enforcing Mi Rancho’s food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance programs, including the Safe Quality Food (SQF) program. This position helps ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, customer, and certification requirements; oversees day-to-day administration of the plant’s SQF program to maintain certification readiness; and assists with the preparation, coordination, and follow-up of annual SQF certification audits. The specialist conducts the annual reassessment of the SQF Manual and supporting documentation, including required validations and reviews of work instructions, procedures, registers, and related records. The role also coordinates updates to processes, procedures, and work instructions; verifies that program documentation is accurate, complete, current, and properly maintained; communicates changes to applicable departments; and follows up on corrective actions and assigned food safety and quality initiatives. In collaboration with the QA Manager and cross-functional teams, the specialist provides technical and administrative support necessary to sustain effective food safety programs, audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and continual improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the QA Manager with all QA activities pertaining to Food Safety and Quality Programs.

• Responsible for enforcing all company rules, policies, and procedures.

• Develop and partner with QA Manager on the implementation of Safe Quality Food (SQF) programs – including HACCP, Food Safety, Food Quality and Food Defense plans.

• Maintain Food Safety & SQF program compliance.

• Responsible for SQF readiness.

• Maintain supplier approval records and compliance documentation.

• Manage and maintain all daily SQF documents and paperwork.

• Conduct food safety and quality training (new hire, and current employees) and all other SQF required training.

• Conduct annual review (at least) of plant SQF Manual and ensure associated Sub-Elements and Registers are updated.

• Prepare and assist in annual SQF certification audits.

• Support management and operations with technical quality and food safety data for customer requests and surveys.

• Conduct mock recalls, and internal audits.

• Collect, review, and ensure proper completion of audit paperwork.

• Lead and participate in problem solving activities concerning food safety.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies (including GMP’s) and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Reassess and re-validate associated Process Procedures (SOPs) with any implemented process or product change.

• Work with QA, Training, Process Systems, and Production personnel on any new changes to the Work Instructions.

• Effectively communicate any changes, modifications, or updates to managers, supervisors, leads, and other personnel.

• Responsible for keeping personnel motivated, productive and well informed.

• Responsible for maintaining excellent and professional employee relations.

• Responsible for promoting teamwork at all levels and between the departments.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

Education/Certifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in food science or equivalent field of