Food Safety and Quality Specialist II - HACCP

Overview

Are you ready for your next adventure? At Oregon Freeze Dry, innovation isn’t just a buzzword, it’s our foundation. We are a purpose-driven company with six decades of expertise in freeze-drying technology. Best known as the makers of Mountain House © meals, we are experts in advanced lyophilization solutions that can help people live healthier lives. Our headquarters in Albany, Oregon sits at the crossroads of science and nature, surrounded by landscapes that fuel bold ideas and transformative breakthroughs.

We’re driven by a commitment to quality, creativity, and continuous improvement, and we’re always looking ahead to what’s next. If you’re passionate and ready to make an impact, Oregon Freeze Dry isn’t just a place to work, it’s where your adventure begins.

We’re looking for a Food Safety and Quality Specialist II to join the Quality team. This role protects the safety and quality of the food we make by ensuring full compliance with regulatory, customer, and company standards and driving continuous improvement in every process. You’ll champion our food safety and quality programs, collaborate across departments, and represent Oregon Freeze Dry’s commitment to excellence with clients, auditors, and partners.

The ideal candidate is strategic, supportive, and brings food industry knowledge and experience.

• Monitor and verify compliance with established food safety and quality programs, escalating issues as needed.
• Conduct internal audits and process verifications with minimal supervision.
• Act as a food safety and quality contact for internal parties, including onsite inspectors, relevant to area of focus.
• Analyze test results, trends, and quality data to identify recurring issues or improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on incorporating new or changing food safety and quality programs.
• Assist in investigations of food safety or quality deviations, customer complaints, and non-conformances.
• Support the implementation and verification of CAPAs.
• Participate actively in customer, 3rd party, or regulatory audits, providing documentation and responses assigned for audits evaluating overall QMS.
• Lead program-specific audits relevant to area of focus.
• Maintain and update program documentation, forms, and records relevant to area of focus in accordance with QMS requirements.
• Provide training or refresher instruction to production staff on quality or food safety topics.
• Support product release activities in area of focus.
• Offer backup support to the team as needed.
• Area of Focus: HACCP
• Act as the HACCP Coordinator, planning and executing HACCP meetings and agendas with cross-functional support.
• Maintain HACCP documentation and conduct reviews in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Conduct and coordinate internal audits of prerequisite programs.
• Analyze prerequisite program data for trends and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Oversee daily administration of the customer complaint program.
• Coordinate and administer certification programs, such as GFCO.

• Generally, a minimum of three (3) years of experience in food safety and quality assurance with a bachelor’s degree in food science or related field.
• HACCP certification required.
• PCQI certification preferred.
• Ability to obtain Internal Audit certification within 1 year of hire.
• Knowledge of FDA and USDA regulatory compliance, food processing procedures, and GMPs highly desired.
• Prior experience with HACCP and Food Safety Plans.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct root cause analyses and risk assessments.
• Demonstrated strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, decision making, and discretion to apply knowledge to variable situations.
• Ability to adapt to changing goals to meet business and department needs.
• Ability to participate in continuous improvement of department procedures and processes.
• Ability to facilitate cross-functional meetings and drive collaborative solutions.

Oregon Freeze Dry has office, manufacturing and outdoor…