Food Safety & Quality Specialist

The Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) Specialist is a corporate-level, data-driven role responsible for supporting and strengthening Fresh Express's food safety and quality programs across field-to-fork operations. This position serves as a central resource for collecting, consolidating, and analyzing food safety and quality data from multiple sources, including agricultural operations, manufacturing facilities, environmental monitoring programs, consumer feedback, and customer data, and translating that information into actionable insights and improvement recommendations. The FSQ Specialist works cross-functionally with facility QA teams, Ag Operations, and corporate leadership to identify trends, support corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement across the Fresh Express supply chain. This is an entry-level position offering significant exposure to all aspects of fresh-cut produce safety and quality, with the expectation that the successful candidate will grow into a subject matter resource for the organization.

Reports To: Corporate Food Safety and Quality Leadership Travel: 10-25% travel required to Fresh Express processing facilities, Ag Operations, and customer distribution centers as needed

The FSQ Specialist is responsible for understanding the Fresh Express Food Safety Statement, completing all required FSQ training, performing all work assignments in accordance with that training, and maintaining food safety records with accuracy and integrity.

Duties and REsponsibilities:

Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting

• Aggregate and analyze food safety and quality data from multiple operational sources, including Ag Operations, manufacturing facilities, environmental monitoring programs, consumer complaints, and customer rejection or quality data.
• Identify trends, recurring non-conformances, and early signals that may indicate food safety or quality risk.
• Prepare clear, data-driven reports and presentations for use by corporate FSQ leadership to inform decision-making and improvement priorities.
• Support the development and maintenance of dashboards, tracking tools, and performance metrics aligned with Fresh Express FSQ program goals.
• Assist in the design and execution of data collection protocols that ensure consistency, accuracy, and traceability across sites and functions.

Food Safety Program Support

• Support implementation and verification of preventive controls, HACCP plans, SSOPs, and environmental monitoring programs across Fresh Express facilities.
• Conduct routine quality checks, environmental swab collections, label verifications, and microbiological sampling as assigned.
• Assist with tracking, investigation, and resolution of non-conformances, consumer complaints, and customer rejections, including participation in root cause analysis and corrective action development.
• Support food safety innovation projects, including data collection, trial coordination, and post-implementation evaluation.

Quality Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

• Observe and document quality and food safety conditions across field, cooler, and manufacturing operations during site visits.
• Participate in root cause discussions and help evaluate proposed corrective actions for effectiveness and feasibility.
• Support the development, piloting, and implementation of CAPAs in collaboration with facility FSQ teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve food safety and quality outcomes and bring data-supported recommendations to corporate FSQ leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Training

• Work collaboratively with QA Managers, facility teams, Ag Operations, and corporate stakeholders.
• Assist in the development and delivery of food safety and GMP training materials for production teams.
• Support supplier and customer food safety and quality inquiries, investigations, and audit preparation as directed.

Qualifications:

• Education: B.S. required in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, Agricultural Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Entry-level; laboratory, research, or food industry internship or work experience preferred. Demonstrated ability to collect, record, and interpret data with precision.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Working knowledge of food safety principles, HACCP, GMPs, or FSMA; strong analytical and communication skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; detail-oriented, collaborative, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Certifications: PCQI and HACCP certification required; training provided by Fresh Express within the first year.