Certification Associate - SCS Global Services

Job Summary

SCS is looking for a dynamic professional to join our Global Food Safety Initiative Food Safety team.As a Certification Associate, you will be responsible for managing the scheme certification process. Primary responsibilities of this position include conducting technical review of the audit reports of each food safety scheme to ensure that the schemes are implemented and maintained fully according to the standard requirements and passes the internal QA and ANSI Audits and ensuring operational functions have been fully executed from initial scoping to certification process. In addition, this position requires managing of client relationships, and effectively overseeing program requirements with strong attention to detail and professional communication skills verbally and in writing, both internally and externally.

Relevant Services/Schemes

• GMP, GDP, HACCP, SQF, BRC, FSSC

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Communications

Manage daily email and telephone/Skype communications with Auditors and SCS program personnel based in USA and Mexico.

Certification Process:

• Ensure consistent flow of audit projects
• Review initial application package and support documents
• Review and confirm scope of the audit with the client
• Cross check audit plans sent by the auditors prior to the audit to ensure scope is correct
• Track and manage audit project milestones and deadlines by communicating with the program staff, clients and the auditors
• Perform technical review of audit reports and corrective actions and provide feedback
• Issue final reports and certificates
• Update DMS with entries and cross check all entries to make sure entries are correct upon completion of each audit
• Manage Audit database system such as Traqtion for Costco and Repositrak for SQF

QA Functions

• Develop program guidance documents, program templates, and letters as needed.
• Ensure respective scheme quality manuals, certification manuals, and program documents are current and update with any changes.
• Maintain new, existing, and archived program files in accordance with program requirements
• Conduct annual internal audits on respective schemes to prepare for annual QA and ANSI audits
• Handle recall and withdrawal of products initiated by the suppliers and prepare a report § Communicate the nature of recall and withdrawal to the scheme owners
• Handle any appeals requested by the suppliers
• Attend Certification Body conventions annually
• Work with corporate QA team on program requirements

Operations Support

• Cross-check Operation functions to ensure the pre-certification program requirements have been effectively communicated to the clients and auditors (e.g. audit schedules, auditor assignment, scoping emails, and other scheme documents) by Operations staff
• Cross-check the operational program documents and make sure documents are saved on the server in respective folders
• Inform Operations staff if there any gaps found in the program

Client Relations

• Provide professional service and address any inquires coming in on the certification status in a timely manner within 2 - 5 business days based on the nature of inquiry.
• Check emails and respond in a timely manner 2 - 5 business days based on the nature of the inquiry to the staff, clients, and auditors on certification.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have strong proficiency in English
• Scope-specific work or study experience, and/or applied experience in food industry
• 1+ years’ experience in project management or administration
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Initiative and ability to work independently; responsive and adaptive personality
• Experience with Microsoft Office including Microsoft Word and Excel, Outlook and Power Point
• Strong time-management and organizational skills; ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines
• Flexible in working hours (overtime and weekends) to complete the projects on time
• Respond to clients on urgent inquires
• Professional attitude towards work and willing to help program staff.
• Team player

Additional Preferred Skills

• Proficiency in data management software such as FileMaker Pro database systems
• Experience with third-party certification and ISO accreditation

Education and Experience

• Bachelors’ Degree in a related field (Food Science, Microbiology, Biology or other Science related field.)
• Minimum 5 years of industry experience in food manufacturing industry (Technical)

Physical Requirements

Must be able to speak and listen in person and on the phone. The above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.

Work Environment

This is an office-based job working in an indoor office environment. Must be able to sit 6+ hours per day.

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, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.