Job Title: SQF Practitioner / Production Specialist

Location: Louisville, KY

About the Role

The SQF Practitioner / Production Specialist is responsible for owning and continuously improving the SQF Food Safety System while actively supporting daily production operations. This role serves as the site SQF Practitioner and plays a hands-on role in ensuring compliance with SQF, FDA, FSMA, HACCP, and customer requirements—while driving food safety, quality, efficiency, and best manufacturing practices across the facility.

This is a highly visible role that bridges Quality and Operations and requires someone who can manage systems and be present on the floor.

Key Responsibilities SQF & Food Safety

Serve as the site SQF Practitioner with full authority over the SQF Food Safety System

Develop, implement, maintain, and update SQF programs in accordance with the SQF Code

Ensure compliance with SQF, FDA FSMA, GMPs, HACCP, and applicable regulatory requirements

Lead SQF, customer, and regulatory audits; manage CAPAs to closure

Conduct internal audits, risk assessments, allergen management, supplier approval and verification

Oversee traceability, recall programs, environmental monitoring, and food safety training

Maintain document control and recordkeeping systems

Lead mock recalls and maintain food defense and food fraud programs

Production & Operations Support

Support daily production to ensure products meet quality, safety, and customer specifications

Partner with Production, Maintenance, and Sanitation teams to resolve quality issues

Monitor and validate production efficiencies and key quality metrics

Monitor CCPs, preventive controls, and production records

Assist with root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives

Support implementation of SOPs, work instructions, and process controls

Ensure proper handling and disposition of non-conforming product

Quality & Continuous Improvement

Analyze quality and production data to identify trends and improvement opportunities

Assist with validation and verification of processes and controls

Support supplier approvals, incoming inspections, and specification management

Participate in new product launches, process changes, and production ramp-ups

Qualifications / Requirements Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, or related field (or equivalent experience)

2–5 years of experience in food manufacturing, quality assurance, or production

SQF Practitioner certification or completion of an approved SQF Practitioner course (required)

Current HACCP certification; BCPS certification preferred

Knowledge & Skills

Strong working knowledge of SQF Code, FSMA, GMPs, and HACCP

Experience in a food manufacturing or processing environment

Strong organizational, documentation, and analytical skills

Ability to train, influence, and collaborate across all levels of the organization

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office and quality management systems

Physical & Work Environment

Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold, noise, and food allergens

Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 30 lbs

Flexibility to support audits, production needs, and occasional off-shift or weekend work

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with SQF Edition 9

Experience with acidified foods and/or beverages

Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Training and professional development opportunities