Regulatory and Compliance Specialist

C.H. Guenther; Elk Grove (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement savings

Flexible spending accounts

Employee assistance

Educational assistance

Parental leave

Paid time off

Company holidays

Job summary

C.H. Guenther & Son is seeking a Regulatory & Compliance Specialist in Elk Grove, CA to support the QA Manager in developing, implementing, and maintaining SQF, HACCP, and related food safety programs.

You’ll ensure regulatory compliance and readiness for audits while driving continual improvement across functions. You will coordinate SOP updates, conduct trainings, and prepare audit documentation, collaborating with QA, Training, Process Systems, and Production teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science or equivalent field.
• 5+ years of work experience in QA / Food Manufacturing.
• Experience with USDA, FDA, or CA Dept. of Food & Agriculture guidelines/requirements.
• SQF Certified Practitioner and related experience.
• HARPC/ PCQI Certified and SQF related certifications.

Responsibilities

• Assist QA Manager with QA activities for Food Safety and Quality Programs.
• Enforce company rules, policies, and procedures.
• Develop and implement SQF programs including HACCP, Food Safety, Food Quality, and Food Defense plans.
• Maintain SQF program compliance and readiness for audits.
• Coordinate updates to SOPs and work instructions; ensure documentation accuracy and currency.
• Support audits, data analysis, and customer requests; assist with mock recalls and internal audits.
• Train staff on SQF requirements and food safety practices.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and continuous improvement across departments.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Time management

Analytical skills

Communication

Team player

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

ERP system proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food science or equivalent

HARPC/ PCQI Certified

SQF Certified Practitioner

SQF Implementation & Auditing Certified

SQF Internal Auditing Training

Tools

ERP system

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 study or 5 + years of work experience in QA.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Food Manufacturing.
• Experience with USDA, FDA, or CA Dept. of Food & Agriculture guidelines/requirements.
• SQF Certified Practitioner and Experience and must
• Experience with HACCAP, SQF, HARPC required.
• Experience working with Kosher, Organic, GFCO and AIB/NSF programs.
• HARPC/ PCQI Certified
• SQF Implementation & Auditing Certified
• SQF Internal Auditing Training
• Bilingual - Spanish/English a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Must have the ability to manage new and multiple projects from conception to commercialization.
• Adept at working independently and cross-functionally, managing multiple projects and short timelines, and working in fast-paced environment. Able to communicate and manage project needs cross-functionally.
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure and time constrained situations and adapt to quickly changing priorities across multiple projects.
• Strong organizational, communication and analytical Skills.
• Ability to interact with all management levels.
• Must have excellent time-management skills.
• Strong attention to detail skills
• Excellent analytical and mathematical skills.
• Excellent proficient problem-solving skills.
• Must have training, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
• Must be an excellent team player.
• Must be self-motivated.
• Must be computer literate – Word, Excel, etc., Must be able to learn and work with company ERP system.
• Strong follow-through, integrity, and sound judgment.
• Flexibility to work off-shifts as needed, including weekends to manage staff efficiently.
• Must be able to fulfill essential job function in a consistent state of alertness and safe manner.
• Must adhere to a drug and alcohol zero tolerance policy.
• Must be able to enforce, comply with and follow all food safety, and third-party certification policies (SQF, Gluten-Free and Organic, etc.)

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None but may require occasionally directing helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns, or temporary employees.

Working Conditions And Physical Effort

• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk the majority of the shift.
• Continued walking and standing on hard surfaces, climbing, and descending steps.
• Continual bending, kneeling, squatting, stooping, reaching, pulling, pushing, and lifting up-to 35 lbs.
• Exposed to cool, hot temperatures and noise.
• Temperatures ranging to very warm conditions.
• Loud noises generated from equipment.

Expectations

• Will demonstrate, promote, and exemplify the Company’s Core Values.

About

At C.H. Guenther, we value transparency in compensation. By providing the salary range for this role, we aim to promote fairness and help candidates make informed choices about their career. The salary range for this role is:

$66,000.00 - $105,600.00 USD

Actual compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as geographic location.

C.H. Guenther & Son will never offer or pay a wage or salary that is not compliant with applicable local, state, or federal pay laws, including minimum salary thresholds.

We also offer a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, retirement savings options, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs, educational assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays.

C.H. Guenther & Son and its subsidiaries are E-Verify participating employers.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the pre-employment screening process which includes a drug screen and review of criminal background and other records as required.

AA/EEO/Drug-Free Employer