Food Safety Specialist

The Food Safety Specialist provides technical expertise and a practical food safety approach to our Wilmington, NC site manufacturing operations. The Food Safety Specialist is responsible for independently performing all procedures involved in the Food Safety program including collection and/or analyses of product and environmental samples (sponge/swabs, air, water). They are also responsible for all other regulatory testing within the food safety program including allergen, heavy metal, and air testing. In the absence of other team members, the specialist is also responsible for sanitation duties. Additionally, there are responsibilities for all procedures regarding determination of returned product’s disposition and the hold and release process of products which are sent externally to a third-party laboratory for analysis.

What You Will Do At Acme:

• Evaluate food safety programs for compliance through regular audits, inspections, and risk-assessments.
• Ensures daily equipment verifications and calibrations of reference materials.
• Ensures databases for environmental sampling and ATP testing are up-to-date.
• Ensure proper inventory levels of food safety supplies (e.g., ATP swabs, sponges, etc.) and place orders with vendors.
• Maintain and pro-actively improve environmental sampling and sanitation programs.
• Creating weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual trend reports for environmental monitoring.
• Conduct investigations to determine and address root causes regarding food safety risks and out-of-specification results.
• Lead/conduct mass balance traceability exercises, internal audits and inspections.
• Assist in 3^rd party audits (BRCGS, BAP, MSC/ASC), and regulatory audits (state, federal, military).
• Lead development and deployment of food safety training across the manufacturing site.
• Analyze food safety data and provide trending reports and action plans to meet KPIs.
• Support company initiatives with respect to GFSI compliance and food safety programs.
• Oversee the pest control program.
• Perform the on-boarding of new hires to Food Safety/GMP training as well as annual refreshers.
• Collect and send samples to third party lab for analysis.
• Managing all third-party laboratory results including communication with laboratory when necessary.
• Manage the Hold Registry, including hold and release of finished good lots as well as communication to relevant departments.
• Determine disposition of returned products, coordinate disposal, and maintain disposal log.
• Ensures microbiology laboratory upkeep and smooth operations.
  
  

About You

Your Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field required.
• 2+ years' experience of food manufacturing and food safety related work preferred.
• 2+ years laboratory experience preferred.

Your Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of FDA food regulations and HACCP.
• Proven excellent work record with demonstrated high levels of initiative and self-direction.
• Ability to follow routine verbal and written instructions and complete assigned tasks. 
• Strong analytical skills required for data interpretation and analysis. Computer skills with Microsoft offices are preferred.
• Possess excellent communication skills, including verbal and written plus the ability to speak effectively before groups and communicate concepts, systems, procedures, etc., in a training environment.
• Commitment to the objectives of the organization.
• Completion of training programs as assigned and/or required including standard of work.

Physical Requirements: 

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.
• Must be able to work in 38-degree temperature.

Health & Safety Requirements: 

• Observe and follow all safety rules.
• Wear required PPE.
• Follow mandated OSHA regulations.
• Report all incidents including near misses immediately.
  

What's In It For You:  

• Competitive compensation including annual discretionary bonus.
• Opportunity to choose the medical plan that works best for your family.
• Flexible spending accounts (Medical + Dependent Care).
• Health Savings Account option with quarterly employer contributions.
• 401(k).
• Dental Insurance.
• Vision Insurance.
• Company Sponsored Group Term Life.
• Voluntary Life Insurance options for you and your dependents.
• Paid time off including company and floating holidays.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• CASH employee referral program.  

Our Acme Legacy & Culture:

Acme Smoked Fish is a seafood processor, purveyor, distributor and more, built on a foundation of quality, innovation, long lasting relationships, passion, and positive stewardship to our seafood communities.  As the largest specialty smoked seafood company in the United States, we stand committed to providing the very best smoked seafood delicacies to our customers, near and far, and take great pride in being at the forefront of the seafood sustainability movement.  Our authenticity has transcended from generation to generation and we pursue excellence in everything we produce and everyone we employ.  We stand committed to our Values and our culture, providing us the opportunity to serve our friends and neighbors.
Acme manufactures and distributes its products in the U.S. under four core brands (Acme, Blue Hill Bay, Ruby Bay, and Spence) and private labels through leading retail and food service institutions. The company operates manufacturing sites in New York, North Carolina, Florida, Massachusetts, South America and Europe. 

Ethics Statement:  
 
Acme Smoked Fish Corporation is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters respect, collaboration, and innovation. We value the contributions of every employee and expect them to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional integrity. We are an equal opportunity employer.  We do not tolerate or practice any form of discrimination, harassment, or misconduct based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding labor rights, human rights, environmental protection, and data privacy.