Company Overview
Béquet Confections is the nation's premier gourmet caramel company, committed to delivering exceptional quality and flavor. Since our founding in 2001, we have received numerous prestigious awards and continue to uphold our tradition of excellence in every batch produced.
Position Summary
We are seeking an analytical, proactive Quality System Specialist to take ownership of our newly upgraded SQF food safety management system. Reporting directly to the Quality Manager, this individual will serve as a designated SQF Practitioner and PCQI for our facility, acting as the technical backbone of our audit readiness, documentation control, and continuous improvement initiatives.
In our manufacturing environment, routine quality checks are performed by production associates and tracked digitally through Redzone software. This role is not about acting as a "clipboard cop"—it is designed for a data-driven problem solver who excels at root-cause analysis, CAPA management, and system verification. The Quality System Specialist will analyze trend data, refine our food safety plans, and coach cross-functional teams to drive a world-class culture of food safety and quality.
Core ResponsibilitiesSQF System Ownership & Audit Management
- Act as a SQF Practitioner, sharing responsibility for the development, maintenance, and routine review of the SQF System.
- Manage end-to-end audit readiness for third-party GFSI (SQF), regulatory (FDA/USDA), and customer audits, serving as a key technical contact during facility walkthroughs and record reviews.
- Assist with annual re-assessments of the SQF System and ensure all prerequisite programs (PRPs) are consistently implemented and documented.
- Design, schedule, and execute comprehensive internal audit programs across all plant departments.
CAPA Management & Continuous Improvement
- Own the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) program, transitioning from simple symptom fixing to permanent defect elimination.
- Facilitate root-cause investigations (using methodologies like 5-Why and Fishbone diagrams) with cross-functional teams when internal non-conformances, audit findings, or customer complaints occur.
- Leverage Redzone / Tableau data to identify emerging trend shifts, recurring floor-level defects, or process bottlenecks, collaborating with Operations to drive continuous improvement in product quality and yield.
- Track all CAPAs through to verified closure, ensuring corrective actions are sustained over time.
Food Safety Plans, Traceability & Documentation
- Serve as the facility's Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI), overseeing the maintenance, annual review, and re-analysis of our Food Safety Plans (HACCP/PCHF).
- Manage the site’s document control hierarchy, ensuring all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and specifications are current, properly approved, and accessible.
- Oversee end-to-end product traceability systems, conducting regular mock recalls and mass balance exercises within required timeframes to ensure total supply chain visibility.
- Manage the accurate tracking and data entry of quality-related data to ensure robust system records and audit compliance.
System Verification & Floor Coaching
- Audit and verify digital quality records generated by production associates in Redzone to ensure data integrity and schedule compliance.
- Coach and mentor production operators and line leads on proper testing protocols, documentation standards, and basic food safety principles—driving compliance through influence and collaboration rather than supervisory authority.
- Identify training gaps on the production floor and partner with the Quality Manager to develop and deliver targeted food safety refreshers.
Qualifications & RequirementsExperience & Education
- Experience: 3 to 5 years of progressive experience in quality assurance, food safety systems, or regulatory compliance within a food, beverage, or CPG manufacturing environment.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline is strongly preferred (equivalent industry experience with demonstrated systems mastery will be considered).
Required Certifications
- SQF Practitioner: Must possess accredited HACCP training and meet all SQF code requirements to be designated as the site practitioner. If not currently certified, must be completed within the first 60 days of employment.
- PCQI Certification: Must be a certified Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (FSMA/PCQI) or obtain certification within the first 60 days of employment.
Technical & Professional Skills
- Demonstrated expertise in GFSI audit frameworks (SQF preferred; BRC or FSSC 22000 acceptable) and FDA/FSMA regulations.
- Strong background in managing document control software, electronic QMS platforms, or digital shop-floor solutions (e.g., Redzone, Tableau, or ERP systems).
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with hands-on experience leading formalized root-cause analysis and CAPA tracking.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; capable of writing precise technical documentation and communicating complex regulatory concepts clearly to operators on the production floor.
- Ability to work autonomously, prioritize competing tasks, and drive continuous improvement initiatives without direct supervisory oversight.
Working Conditions
- Work is split evenly between a standard office environment and the manufacturing production floor.
- Must be comfortable wearing required PPE (hairnets, etc.) and adhering to strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) while in production areas.
- Occasional flexibility in hours required to support audit prep, mock recalls, or multi-shift training needs.
If you are ready to make a difference in the world of gourmet confections and lead a passionate team, we invite you to apply today and be part of our sweet journey!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- What attracted you to this position?
Experience:
- QA/QC: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
