SQF Practitioner

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