Employment Type: Contract
Position Summary:
The SQF Third Party Lead Auditor is responsible for conducting comprehensive audits of food safety systems to ensure compliance with the Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards. This role involves working with various clients in the food industry, reviewing their processes, and certifying their adherence to the relevant SQF codes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Audit Planning and Execution:
- Prepare and execute detailed audit plans, ensuring they meet the requirements of the SQF program.
- Lead on-site audits at client locations, assessing their compliance with the SQF standards.
- Conduct gap analyses, pre-assessment audits, and certification audits.
- Reporting and Documentation:
- Compile detailed audit reports, documenting findings, non-conformities, and recommendations for improvement.
- Submit reports to clients and relevant certification bodies within specified timelines.
- Ensure accuracy and completeness of all audit documentation.
- Client Interaction and Support:
- Engage with clients to discuss audit findings, clarify requirements, and provide guidance on corrective actions.
- Offer expertise and advice to clients on maintaining and improving their food safety management systems.
- Act as a representative of the certifying body, upholding professional standards and building strong client relationships.
- Training and Development:
- Stay updated with the latest SQF standards and best practices.
- Participate in continuing education and professional development to maintain auditor certifications.
- Provide mentoring and training to junior auditors as needed.
Work Environment:
- The role requires extensive travel to client sites, with work environments ranging from food production facilities to corporate offices.
- Auditors may need to work in environments that require personal protective equipment and adherence to strict hygiene standards.
Qualification
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field is preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in food safety auditing, preferably with lead auditor responsibilities.
- Proven experience conducting SQF audits and a strong understanding of food safety regulations.
Certifications:
- Current SQF Lead Auditor certification is required.
- Additional certifications in other GFSI-recognized schemes (e.g., BRC, FSSC 22000) are a plus.
Skills:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
- Proficiency in using audit management software and tools.
Travel Requirement:
- Extensive travel to client sites
Additional information
Equal Opportunity Employer – Disability and Veteran
TÜV SÜD America, Inc. is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, marital status, genetics, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status and those laws, directives, and regulations of Federal, State, and Local governing bodies or agencies. We participate in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.
For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to the following: Labor Law 2024