SQF Lead Auditor 1

TUV SUD America; Needham Corner (MA); Remote; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading certification body in Needham Corner, Massachusetts is seeking an independent subcontractor to conduct audits for food safety compliance. The ideal candidate will be a registered SQF Food Safety Auditor with at least 5 years of experience in food safety and quality. Responsibilities include conducting certifications, preparing reports, and communicating with clients. This role allows for remote work with possible travel up to 75% within the U.S.

Benefits

Independent subcontractor engagement

Access to audit systems and support

Scheduling support for assignments

Qualifications

• Registered SQF Food Safety Auditor with SQFI.
• Minimum 5 years in food safety or quality.
• Documented audit log from past 36 months.

Responsibilities

• Conduct certification and recertification audits.
• Prepare and submit audit plans and reports.
• Communicate findings to clients.

Skills

Knowledge of SQF Food Safety Code

Analytical judgment in evaluations

Clear communication

High ethics and confidentiality

Proficient with office tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

At TUV SUD we are passionate about technology. Innovations impact our daily lives in countless ways, and we are dedicated to being a part of that progress. We test, we audit, we inspect, we advise. We never stop challenging ourselves for the safety of society and its people. We breathe technology, we strive for professional excellence, and we leave a mark. We take the future into our hands. We are TUV SUD.

Your Tasks

• Conduct third-party certification, surveillance, and recertification audits to the applicable SQF Food Safety Code modules (manufacturing, storage/distribution, packaging).
• Perform audits in accordance with SQF Code and System Rules (latest edition), and where applicable ISO/IEC 17021 and ISO/IEC 17065, plus TUV SUD procedures.
• Prepare and submit audit plans, reports, nonconformities, objective evidence, and recommendations within required timelines.
• Communicate with clients to explain findings, clarify requirements, and support corrective action planning.
• Participate in witness audits, calibration activities, and performance evaluations as requested by TUV SUD or accreditation bodies.
• Maintain impartiality, independence, and confidentiality; identify and manage potential conflicts of interest.
• Keep complete and current audit records in assigned systems.

Your Qualifications

• Registered SQF Food Safety Auditor (or higher) with SQFI; current and in good standing; authorized for relevant scopes/modules.
• Completion of required SQF Systems training from an SQFI licensed training center (for example, Auditing SQF Systems).
• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred, or equivalent technical training and experience.
• At least 5 years of full-time work in food safety, quality, regulatory, or food processing/manufacturing.
• Documented audit log from the last 36 months detailing scope, dates, duration, role, certification body, facility type, and product category.
• Legal authorization to work as an independent contractor in the United States; signed impartiality/conflict-of-interest declaration.
• Preferred: HACCP certificate; PCQI; additional GFSI programs (FSSC 22000, BRCGS, GLOBALG.A.P.); references from prior certification bodies or clients.

Skills and Competencies

• Deep knowledge of the SQF Food Safety Code and GFSI audit expectations; strong understanding of HACCP and regulatory frameworks (FDA, USDA, FSMA).
• Objective, analytical judgment in complex evaluations; consistent evidence-based decision making.
• Clear written and verbal communication; professional client engagement and de-escalation.
• High standards of ethics, independence, confidentiality, and self-management.
• Proficient with standard office tools and audit platforms; strong technical writing and time management.

What We Offer

• Independent subcontractor engagement compensated per audit day, including planning and reporting; rates and payment terms defined in the subcontract agreement.
• Access to TUV SUD audit systems, templates, calibration, technical support, and training as needed for program updates.
• Scheduling support for assignments aligned to qualifications, scope authorizations, and availability.

Additional Information

• Location: Remote, United States.
• Reports to: Certification Manager - Food Safety Program.
• Contract type: Independent Subcontractor.
• Travel: Up to 75% within the United States; occasional international travel with notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer - Disability and Veteran

TUV SUD America, Inc. is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, marital status, genetics, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status and those laws, directives, and regulations of Federal, State, and Local governing bodies or agencies. We participate in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.