QEHS Specialist

The QEHS Specialist serves as the site’s designated SQF Practitioner and coordinates the daily operation and ongoing effectiveness of the SQF system. The position coordinates the development, review, and maintenance of food safety plans and system documentation; supports verification activities, and audits; and manages assigned corrective-action, quality compliance, training, and safety-support activities. This role evaluates program performance, identifies risks and trends, maintains required records, and communicates significant findings and resource needs to QEHS leadership and senior site management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Quality, Food Safety, and Compliance:

• Serve as the site SQF Practitioner, maintaining SQF-related documentation and overseeing the daily operation and effectiveness of the SQF System.
• Coordinate the development, review, verification, and maintenance of applicable food safety plans and SQF-system documentation with the responsible teams.
• Maintain audit readiness for SQF, government, third-party, and customer audits; coordinate audit evidence and assigned activities; and track findings and corrective actions through documented closure.
• Review monitoring, testing, audit, complaint, and corrective-action information to identify food safety risks, system gaps, and recurring trends; promptly escalate significant concerns.
• Communicate SQF-system status, identified gaps, proposed actions, and resource needs to QEHS leadership and senior site management.
• Administer assigned elements of the Environmental Monitoring, Foreign Material, Glass and Brittle Plastic, Supplier Approval, Food Fraud, Mock Recall, Pest Control, and Verification/Validation programs
• Maintain quality-system documents and records, including supplier documentation, testing reports, inspection findings, and program schedules, using applicable internal systems.
• Coordinate third-party testing, monitor testing requirements and due dates, review results, and escalate adverse or unusual findings.

Corrective Actions and Documentation:

• Administer CAPA/SCAR documentation: issue and track actions, coordinate departmental responses, verify completion evidence, and escalate overdue or ineffective actions.
• Create or revise assigned SOPs, coordinate reviews and training, and identify documents requiring updates.
• Track results and recurring issues across assigned programs and communicate findings to QEHS leadership.

Routine Compliance and Training:

• Perform or coordinate assigned checks and inspections, including chemical concentration, thermometer calibration, eyewash stations, foreign material, and applicable equipment or safety documentation.
• Coordinate and conduct or support SOP and refresher training as needed.

Safety and EHS Support:

• Support Safety Committee activities, emergency-preparedness and mock-crisis drills, and assigned safety inspections.
• Maintain safety documentation and assist with near-miss, injury and equipment-damage records 

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Quality Assurance, Business, or a related field; equivalent education and experience will be considered.
• 2+ years of experience in quality, food safety, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of SQF, cGMP, and HACCP programs.
• SQF Practitioner, PCQI, and HACCP certifications/training preferred or required based on program needs.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel; experience with ERP/MRP and quality management systems preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interpret regulations, analyze data, and communicate findings effectively.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and adaptable, with a commitment to quality, food safety, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborative team player who thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment and demonstrates initiative, accountability, and professionalism.
• This position is 100% on-site and located at the headquarters in South Bend, Indiana