Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Food Safety Analyst

💰 $65,000 - $90,000

Food ScienceQuality AssuranceRegulatory AffairsAnalytics

🎯 Role Definition

As a Food Safety Analyst, you are the crucial link between data, quality, and consumer protection. You will be a proactive guardian of our brand, leveraging your analytical prowess to delve into food safety and quality data to identify trends, mitigate risks, and drive continuous improvement. This role requires a meticulous and investigative mindset to ensure our products not only meet but exceed the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, from production to R&D, turning complex data into actionable insights that fortify our food safety culture and operational excellence.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Quality Assurance Technician
  • Food Science Graduate / Intern
  • Laboratory Analyst

Advancement To:

  • Food Safety Manager
  • Senior Quality Assurance Specialist
  • Regulatory Affairs Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Supplier Quality Analyst
  • Process Improvement Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Analyze and interpret food safety and quality assurance data from various sources, including production lines, laboratory results, and environmental monitoring, to identify trends, deviations, and potential risks.
  • Develop, manage, and present detailed reports and dashboards on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to food safety, quality metrics, and compliance to senior leadership.
  • Lead comprehensive root cause analysis investigations for non-conformances, customer complaints, and audit findings, and implement effective Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs).
  • Monitor Critical Control Points (CCPs) and other preventive controls as defined by the HACCP and Food Safety Plans, ensuring consistent adherence and proper documentation.
  • Conduct thorough internal audits of food safety programs, procedures, and facility conditions to ensure ongoing compliance with GFSI standards (e.g., SQF, BRC).
  • Support external and third-party audits by regulatory agencies (FDA, USDA) and certification bodies, acting as a key point of contact for data requests and program explanations.
  • Manage and maintain the company's food safety documentation control system, ensuring all policies, procedures, and records are current, accurate, and readily accessible.
  • Evaluate and approve new raw material suppliers by reviewing their food safety programs, certifications, and historical performance data.
  • Maintain the supplier compliance program through the ongoing collection and review of documentation, including certificates of analysis (COAs), letters of guarantee, and third-party audit reports.
  • Develop and deliver engaging food safety and quality assurance training programs for employees at all levels, from production floor staff to management.
  • Oversee the environmental monitoring program, including swabbing schedules, data analysis, and the implementation of corrective actions for any adverse results.
  • Manage and execute mock recall and traceability exercises to verify the effectiveness of the company’s product tracking systems and recall plan.
  • Collaborate with the Research & Development team to conduct food safety risk assessments for new products, ingredients, and manufacturing processes.
  • Investigate and resolve customer and consumer complaints related to food safety and quality, documenting findings and communicating resolutions to relevant stakeholders.
  • Stay current with evolving food safety regulations (e.g., FSMA), industry best practices, and emerging risks to ensure the company's programs remain robust and compliant.
  • Author and revise food safety policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and work instructions to reflect changes in regulations, processes, or best practices.
  • Utilize statistical process control (SPC) methodologies to monitor production processes and drive continuous improvement in quality and product consistency.
  • Manage the calibration program for all laboratory and production equipment critical to food safety and quality monitoring.
  • Review and approve product specifications, labels, and packaging materials to ensure they meet all regulatory and food safety requirements.
  • Act as a primary administrator for food safety software systems (QMS), managing user access, data integrity, and system configuration.
  • Facilitate HACCP team meetings, ensuring the plan is reviewed annually and updated as necessary when changes occur in products, processes, or materials.
  • Analyze data from hold-and-release programs, making disposition decisions for products that deviate from established quality and safety specifications.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • In-depth knowledge of GFSI-benchmarked standards (SQF, BRC) and experience with certification audits.
  • Certified and/or highly proficient in HACCP principles and plan development, maintenance, and verification.
  • Strong working knowledge of FDA and USDA regulations, particularly the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCQI).
  • Advanced proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools such as Microsoft Excel, Tableau, or Power BI.
  • Expertise in Root Cause Analysis methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis).
  • Practical experience conducting internal audits, supplier audits, and GMP inspections.
  • Proficiency with Quality Management System (QMS) software and other food safety digital platforms.
  • Understanding of environmental monitoring programs, microbiological testing, and sanitation principles.
  • Competency in statistical process control (SPC) and other statistical analysis techniques.
  • Experience with product traceability systems and conducting mock recall exercises.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills with a talent for solving complex problems.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in data and documentation.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Superior organizational and project management abilities to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant scientific field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Food Science
  • Microbiology
  • Biology
  • Data Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of experience in a food safety or quality assurance role within a food manufacturing environment.

Preferred: Direct experience with GFSI scheme implementation/maintenance (SQF or BRC). Certifications in HACCP and PCQI are highly desirable.

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