FSQ Internal Auditor

Job Description

The FSQ Internal Auditor plans and conducts objective internal audits of food-safety and/or quality programs across Kettle Cuisine sites. Based in Savage, Maryland, the role travels to sites quarterly to assess conformance with applicable Food Safety & Quality Plans, document evidence and findings, and verify completion and effectiveness of corrective actions. The role provides practical feedback while preserving auditor objectivity and escalating significant risks promptly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a risk-informed audit schedule covering assigned food-safety and quality programs across sites.
• Conduct on-site audits at least quarterly using approved criteria and consistent methods; review records, observe practices, interview personnel, and document objective evidence.
• Communicate findings clearly, distinguish observations from conclusions, and issue reports within agreed timelines.
• Agree corrective-action owners and due dates with site leadership; track completion, review evidence, and verify effectiveness before recommending closure.
• Escalate significant or overdue findings through established FSQ channels and maintain complete, controlled audit records.
• Coordinate audit scope and criteria with the relevant Food Safety or Quality Programs Manager while avoiding audits of work for which the auditor is directly responsible.
• Identify recurring themes and opportunities for system-level improvement across sites, as well as across the network between Quality and Food Safety Programs.

Qualifications (Education / Experience / Skills)

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Quality, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Three or more years of experience in food manufacturing, FSQ, auditing, or a related technical role.
• Formal internal-auditor training and working knowledge of food-safety and quality-system audit methods; HACCP or PCQI training preferred.
• Strong observation, interviewing, documentation, and report-writing skills; able to travel regularly and work independently at multiple sites.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive findings professionally and follow through on corrective-action verification.

Success Measures

• Planned quarterly audits are completed with consistent criteria and well-supported findings.
• Corrective actions have clear owners, due dates, documented evidence, and effectiveness verification.
• Significant and recurring risks are escalated and communicated promptly.

As a Leader Within the Kettle Cuisine Team, You Are Expected To

• Model and support Kettle Cuisine’s Core Values and safety culture.
• Develop individual team members and their careers.
• Create a culture of accountability and performance.
• Drive a focus on quality assurance and continuous improvement.
• Plan work, track results, and resolve issues.

Required Attributes

• Self-directed, with high integrity and sound judgment.
• Positive, collaborative, and able to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Organized and able to manage priorities, projects, and metrics in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills appropriate to the role.
• Willing to address difficult situations with patience and respect.
• Able to provide after-hours support for critical issues when required by the role.
• Enthusiastic about food and committed to safe, high-quality products.