Senior Food Safety Specialist

Industry: Clerical

Company: Mutual Trading Company

Who we are:

Established in 1926, Mutual Trading Co., Inc. was originally a small co-op organization for centralized purchasing of basic import foods to service the needs of the early Japanese immigrant society in Southern California. We’ve grown nearly 100 years old now, and command a premiere position among Japanese foodservice suppliers, as well as fill a key role as “Culinary Ambassador” promoting Japanese foods worldwide. Currently, we import, manufacture, and distribute over 7,000 Japanese foods, beverages, restaurant equipment and supplies.

Benefits

All paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees and their dependents

Life Insurance and 401k Plan with company match.

Location: El Monte, CA

Hours: M-F: 8AM – 5PM

Essential Job Functions
• Provides documents to customers when requested – spec sheet, raw material specifications (Origin, quality, standards of ingredients used in production), Audit Certificates (Audit Checklist, Certificate of Analysis – lab tests), letter of guarantee, etc.
• Develops and maintains Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) food safety plans, and prerequisite programs such as Sanitation, Good Manufacturing/Distribution Practice (GMP)’s for food storage and distribution, Food Defense, Recall, Allergen and Supplier Verification (Vendor’s Program)
• Verifies imported products’ labeling and ingredients; assure they are in compliance with US regulations.
• Prevents defects by investigating non-conformities, their root causes, and implementing corrective actions
• Ensures all required documents are ready as scheduled for audits, HACCP verifications, and equipment calibrations
• Identifies solutions by analyzing product quality and food safety issues
• Investigates customer complaints about quality discrepancies and takes corrective actions; responds to customers in a timely manner
• Conducts monthly internal audits to discover any quality discrepancies; works closely with warehouse management to adapt corrective actions in time.
• Researches import regulations and required documents for products under USDA/APHIS/FSIS jurisdiction
• Assists in facility food safety internal audits as well as manages third party audits.
• Works with the appropriate management personnel to audit and approve the selected co-packers, suppliers, and storage facilities. Conducts monthly internal audits and works closely with warehouse management to implement any corrective actions.
• Ensures documentations for audits, equipment calibration, and HACCP related verification records are completed as scheduled.
• Develops and maintains Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans and other prerequisite food safety programs such as Sanitation, Good Manufacturing/Distribution Practice (GMP)’s for food storage and distribution, Food Defense, Recall, Allergen and Supplier Verification (Vendor’s Program).
• Implements, maintains, and improves all quality systems (i.e. HACCP, FSMA GFSI, Pest, Sanitation etc).
• Develops, maintains, and revises updates of all Quality and Food Safety SOPs.
• Oversight of facility pest control programs to include in-house program and contracted program from external service providers.
• Receives and companies with inspectors from governmental agencies (e.g., USDA, Local Health Department) for onsite inspection.
• Attends Company events and functions outside of normal working hours
• Attends semiannual inventory count on designated day, possibly on a weekend
• Other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements
• Able to sit in an office for a majority of the day
• Able to type and use a computer for extended periods of time
• Able to stand, walk, reach, bend, kneel, and lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Working Conditions

o Noise Level: Normal to loud

o Indoors

Other Requirements
• Business level English required
• Business level Japanese preferred
• Ability to verify product labels in Japanese preferred
• Maintains a positive attitude
• Able to work independently and as a team
• Able to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload
• Bachelor’s Degree required; Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or relevant studies strongly preferred
• 3+ years of food safety or other relevant experience preferred

Knowledge and Skills
• Knowledge of food safety procedures
• Demonstrates basic Microsoft Office proficiency
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Possesses basic mathematical knowledge such as markups, discounts, counting inventory, weight and measurement conversions, combining, etc.
• Has strong communications and interpersonal skills
• Has strong customer service and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of Japanese foods and liquors preferred

Disclaimers

This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related duties as instructed or requested by the department manager or other management as needed, subject to reasonable accommodation and business needs. The information contained herein is subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, and no part of this document is to be construed as an express or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter the “at-will” employment status with the Company. Requirements are subject to accommodations with ADA, FEHA, and all other applicable federal and state laws. Please report any changes of essential job functions to the Human Resources Department.

Mutual Trading Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.