HACCP & Quality Assurance Coordinator - AeroFarms

AeroFarms is seeking a HACCP & Quality Assurance Coordinator!

Since 2004, we have been transforming agriculture with people and planet in mind. As a Certified B Corporation, we use the latest breakthroughs in indoor vertical farming, artificial intelligence, and plant biology to fix our broken food system and improve the way fresh produce is grown and distributed locally and globally. We have built a proprietary agriculture platform to grow a wide array of products, delivering superior flavor, better quality, and improved nutrition with the highest levels of traceability and food safety in our industry.

Our Vision

• Understand plant biology to be great farmers and solve broader problems in agriculture
• Serve communities by leading with brand and providing access to high-quality, consistent, and safe products
• Protect the environment for future generations, growing more while using less
• Invest in our AeroFarms team and foster our company culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion

As AeroFarms approaches our next phase of explosive growth, we seek out creative, motivated humans who run toward problems without hesitation and find creative solutions. We’re changing the world. Our work is for the bold. If a team of 300 intellectually curious and caring humans, expansive global operations, and our change-the-world mission resonates with you, apply today.

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Position Summary: The HACCP & Quality Assurance Coordinator at AeroFarms plays a critical role in ensuring the highest standards of food safety and product quality within our advanced vertical farming environment. This role requires a meticulous approach to developing and maintaining HACCP systems, rigorous quality testing, and proactive problem-solving. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail, strong organizational and communication skills, and a commitment to excellence in both food safety and quality assurance. This position is the back up for the FSQA Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

HACCP System Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain HACCP plans tailored to AeroFarms' vertical farming operations.
• Conduct hazard analyses to identify potential food safety risks specific to aeroponic systems.
• Establish and monitor critical control points (CCPs) and critical limits.
• Design and oversee monitoring procedures and corrective actions for each CCP.
• Implement verification activities to ensure the effectiveness of the HACCP system.
• Meeting with and Running the Food Safety Team in absence of the FSQA Manager.

Quality Specification Development

• Collaborate in the creation of quality specifications, net weight programs, and retain programs.
• Review and analyze system and product specifications to ensure alignment with AeroFarms' standards.

Testing and Analysis

• Execute manual and/or automated tests, analyze results, and document findings comprehensively.
• Maintain environmental monitoring records and perform testing of incoming materials.
• Proactively address and prevent quality issues, providing detailed reports on summaries, causes, and action plans.

Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal food safety regulations, as well as industry standards for sustainable agriculture.
• Maintain and update accurate records of all HACCP-related activities, inspection results, and quality checks.
• Regularly review and revise the Food Safety Plan (HACCP Plan) and other relevant documentation.

Training and Communication

• Develop and implement training plans for HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), allergen control, and other essential programs.
• Conduct training sessions for AeroFarms employees and facilitate communication between the QA team and management.
• Attend food safety committee meetings and educate staff on food safety and quality programs.
• Completing Weekly Focus Topics to improve knowledge on the farm.

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Monitor and assess HACCP and quality programs to ensure effective implementation.
• Conduct internal audits, assist with external vendor audits, and work with the Quality Manager to enhance current practices.
• Evaluate and improve food safety procedures, submitting recommendations for continuous improvement.

Testing Oversight

• Conduct shelf-life testing on existing products and packages.
• Ensure timely and accurate testing of incoming materials, in-process production, and finished products.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure timely GMP audits and reporting.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of regulatory requirements related to USDA and FDA, including FSMA.

Team Management

• Oversee lab employees and janitorial services, maintaining lab inventory and scheduling FSQA technicians as needed.
• Manage the Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) and related checklists.

Emergency Response and Recall Management

• Perform mock recalls, ensure the effectiveness of identification, labeling, and traceability systems.
• Investigate food safety incidents and implement corrective actions.

Customer Test Result Management

• Upload customer test results into portals as required, ensuring accurate and timely data submission.

Annual FSQA Audit Preparations

• Prepare for annual FSQA audits, including conducting food defense scenarios, mock recalls, policy reviews, and updating documentation.

Departmental Excellence

• Contribute to maintaining the FSQA department to a best-in-class standard through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in undertaking other tasks as assigned by FSQA leaders.

Additional Requirements

• Flexibility in schedule, including availability for weekends and nights as needed.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced and innovative environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, or a related field.
• HACCP Certification is required; PCQI certification or ability to obtain is preferred.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in food manufacturing or a similar environment.
• Demonstrated technical knowledge in quality processes and systems (e.g., SOPs, SSOPs, GMPs).
• Working knowledge of best practices in quality systems, food safety, and regulatory requirements.

Skills:

• Strong organizational, managerial, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Attention to detail with a proactive approach to food safety and quality assurance.

This role integrates the essential elements of HACCP and Quality Assurance, emphasizing AeroFarms commitment to maintaining the highest standards in sustainable agriculture and food safety.

In accordance with organizational protocol, employees will at times be required to fill absences in the operation process that are equal to or lower than their positional hierarchy. Additionally, if an employee is absent, the role of the absent employee is to be completed by their immediate superior.

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