Primary Purpose:
The QA Associate - Technical & Regulatory is responsible for supporting quality assurance programs, regulatory compliance, and technical documentation within the organization. This role ensures products, processes, and documentation meet internal quality standards and applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP, GMP). The position plays a key role in maintaining product specifications, managing documentation, and supporting audits and compliance initiatives. This role is hybrid to our Elgin, IL or Fairfield, NJ locations.
Responsibilities:
- Support implementation and maintenance of quality assurance programs and procedures
- Assist with monitoring product quality, food safety, and compliance with established standards
- Review batch records, production documentation, and quality data for accuracy and completeness
- Investigate and document quality deviations, non-conformances, and corrective actions
- Create, maintain, and update product specifications, formulas, and technical documentation
- Manage document control systems, ensuring version control and accuracy of records
- Support development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions
- Coordinate technical documentation for internal departments and external stakeholders
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, USDA, GMP, HACCP, FSMA)
- Assist in preparing regulatory submissions, product registrations, and certifications as required
- Maintain regulatory records, including ingredient statements, allergen documentation, and labeling compliance
- Support compliance reviews for packaging, labeling, and product claims
- Prepare documentation and support internal, customer, and regulatory audits
- Assist in responding to audit findings and implementing corrective actions
- Maintain audit readiness and ensure required documentation is up to date and accessible
- Assist with supplier documentation, including COAs, specifications, and compliance records
- Support customer inquiries related to product quality, specifications, and regulatory information
- Collaborate with procurement, production, R&D, and sales teams on technical and regulatory matters
- Maintain quality and regulatory databases and tracking systems
- Generate reports related to quality metrics, compliance status, and technical documentation
- Ensure data integrity and accuracy across systems
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Regulatory Affairs, or related field preferred
- 1-3 years of experience in quality assurance, regulatory, or technical role in manufacturing or food production
- Experience working with FDA/USDA regulations, HACCP, GMP, or FSMA preferred
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Knowledge of quality systems, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with QA/regulatory systems preferred
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Analytical mindset with problem-solving capabilities
Supervisory Responsibility:
No direct supervision required.
Work Environment:
Typical office working environment which includes a workstation equipped with a computer and other office supplies necessary for daily tasks. Typically climate-controlled to provide a comfortable working temperature year-round.
Lighting is usually a mix of natural and artificial sources to ensure sufficient illumination.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time salaried position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday. Expectations of 45 hours per week, to be worked during normal business hours. This role is hybrid to our Elgin, IL or Fairfield, NJ office, with an expectation of four days in office and one day remote.
Physical Requirements:
The physical requirements for an office environment typically include:
- Sitting: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or workstation.
- Typing: Frequent use of hands to type on a keyboard and operate a computer mouse.
- Visual Requirements: Extended periods of viewing a computer screen and reading printed or digital documents.
- Mobility: Occasional walking or standing, including moving between different areas of the office.
- Manual Dexterity: The ability to handle office equipment, such as phones, printers, and copiers, and to file documents.
- Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with colleagues, clients, and vendors.
- Lifting: Occasionally lifting and carrying light objects, typically up to 20 pounds, such as files, documents, or office supplies.
- Reaching and Bending: Reaching above shoulder height and bending to access files and office supplies.
- Hearing: Adequate hearing ability to participate in meetings and teleconferences.
These requirements ensure that employees can perform their duties effectively and safely within an office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Compensation and Benefits:
The budgeted salary range for this position is $27.85-$33.50 hourly, with a 5% annual bonus potential.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
The job description is a summary of core functions and responsibilities of the position and is not an all-inclusive list of job duties.
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- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with 4.5% employer contribution
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development opportunities
- Employee wellness programs
Salary range is based on consideration of required qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications or seniority, etc. Schuman Cheese reserves the right to offer the selected candidate or applicant an hourly rate or salary at an appropriate level to be set and determined by Schuman Cheese that is commensurate with the applicant's qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications or seniority.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Schuman Cheese does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be held liable for recruiter fees associated with unsolicited resumes.
Candidates must reside in one of the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming or Wisconsin. This arrangement ensures that all remote work is conducted from one of these approved locations.
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