Senior Technical Associate, Food Safety

Since 1984, SCS Global Services has been a pioneer and leader in the field of sustainability standards and third-party certification, working across the economy in the natural resources, built environment, food and agriculture, consumer products, and climate sectors. Partnering with companies, government agencies, NGOs, and stakeholders, we are striving to advance sustainable development goals through independent assessment, the application of sound science, and innovative solutions. Through these services, we are enabling decision-makers and purchasers to make informed decisions, giving innovators a competitive edge, and helping to drive the development of leadership standards to create a framework for continuous improvement.

Job Overview

The Senior Technical Associate provides assistance in assigned food safety schemes and ensures the integrity of certification processes, decisions, and compliance with scheme owner and accreditation requirements. The position requires expertise in the relevant standard/scheme(s) regulations, third-party auditing experience, food safety hazards and control strategies, and certification accreditation requirements. The Senior Technical Associate works with the Senior Technical Manager to assure staff members are effectively trained in the scheme operations and technical requirements.

If you currently have an audit log, please submit the audit log with your application.

Relevant Services/Schemes

• GFSI Schemes: SQF, BRCGS, and FSSC 22000
• SCS In-house GMP Programs
• Client-specific Programs

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Certification Scheme Management

• Maintain knowledge and qualification in scheme, accreditation, and regulatory requirements by actively monitoring updates, newsletters, alerts, etc., attending training, conducting audits, performing technical reviews, and certification decisions
• Conduct technical report reviews, make certification decisions, and manage the certification process
• Issue and support process to approve suspension, termination, and reinstatement of certificates
• Act as the backup point of contact with the scheme owner and ensure all operational and technical scheme requirements are communicated and effectively implemented
• Liaise with Quality Assurance to ensure all elements of the quality management systems are maintained in compliance and ensure certification integrity, including leading internal audit findings, complaints, and appeals investigation and resolution

Auditing

• Perform third-party audits under multiple GFSI schemes, in-house programs, and client-specific programs
• Perform Witness Audits and be a point of contact for existing auditors

Program Quality and Development

• Provide backup assistance in the development and implementation of scheme procedures, guidance, and training materials to increase the quality and efficiency of auditing services and certification processes
• Partner with operations and audit management to ensure all staff maintains current knowledge and training of the scheme requirements
• Manage auditor approval and ongoing maintenance of auditor qualification and competence records in external databases

Client Support and Communication

• Provide assistance with technical interpretation and support program and sales staff in resolving complex technical questions
• Maintain a sense of urgency and excellence in responsiveness to matters affecting client service and satisfaction
• Support and, if needed, represent the program for internal SCS initiatives, such as ISO accreditation, etc.
• Participate in webinars, trade shows, and support sales calls to provide technical sales support

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. food science, biology, agricultural science, or equivalent)
• At least two years of third-party auditing experience in the assigned schemes
• Credentials and experience as a lead auditor in one or more services that SCS offers
• English language fluency and experience that involves professional written and verbal communication; preference for candidates with Spanish fluency
• Strong customer service and teamwork skills
• Initiative, good judgment, and ability to work independently under pressure in a changing environment
• Ability to complete time-sensitive projects, provide realistic deadlines, and time management skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently as well as on a team, responsive and adaptive personality
• Strong proficiency in Outlook and Microsoft Office including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to travel domestically up to 50%
• Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire to be considered, unless precluded by local and national jurisdiction. Pursuant to local and national law - proof of vaccination is required. Medical and religious accommodations will also be considered.

Physical Requirements

This is primarily an office-based job. Sit 6+ hours per day. Keyboarding 6+ hours per day. Must be able to speak and listen in person and on the phone. Audit observation may require extensive walking on farms in fields and/or in food processing facilities.

Work Environment

For office-based work:
- CA Office, Emeryville or Remote, US

While auditing/assessing:
- Processing equipment in facilities
- Pesticide and other chemical storage facilities
- Temperature extremes of high heat or cold

*SCS, Working Remotely:

At this time, SCS Global Services is recruiting all open roles to be remote; allowing our employees the ability to work flexibly and allowing SCS as a company to diversify the experience and perspectives of our growing workforce.

As part of our remote work, we want to ensure that our employees have what they need to work from home. We provide our new employees with a computer and can offer assistance in acquiring ergonomic necessities.

Pay Range:

$61k to $91k Annually

EEOC Statement

SCS Global Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SCS Global Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfers, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

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