Job Summary
The Food Safety and Quality Assurance Analyst is responsible for the daily execution and monitoring of food safety and quality programs across Dole Fresh Fruit North America operations, including ports, warehouses, and approved external partners. This role focuses on hands‑on verification of food safety controls and supports consistent application of the Food Safety Management System at the operational level.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct routine on-site food safety audits and inspections at ports, warehouses, and external partner locations to verify compliance with Dole food safety and quality requirements and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Document findings and track and verify corrective actions. Work directly with port operations teams to develop, implement, and track corrective and preventive action plans (CAPAs) through closure. Support timely resolution and escalate issues as appropriate.
- Review operational records, logs and monitoring documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness and compliance with food safety requirements. Ensure organized, accurate, and up-to-date food safety documentation to prepare for internal and external audits.
- Support implementation of the Food Safety Management System and food safety policies and procedures, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP plans, risk assessments, standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure compliance with Dole food safety and quality requirements and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Execute assigned food safety and quality projects in support of business and technical objectives. Collaborate with Global FSQA teams to support alignment of food safety activities.
- Assist in preparation and delivery of food safety training materials and provide reinforcement of food safety expectations with employees during observational audits and inspections.
- Assist with coordination and execution of division-wide traceability activities, including FSMA 204 Compliance and participation in mock recall exercises.
- Support supplier approval and Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) activities through document review, identification and follow-up on corrective actions, and track and report KPIs.
- Respond to customer food safety and quality requests and collaborate with Sales to ensure customer requirements are met; support investigations of customer product issues in partnership with Operations and Sales.
- Represent Dole Fresh Fruit Food Safety through participation in industry organizations, working groups, and conferences.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, Food Safety, Food Chemistry, Food Sciences, Agriculture or related field is required.
- Minimum of 3 years in food safety and quality assurance roles, preferably in fresh produce and/or related experience.
- Produce or high-risk FSQA related experience preferred.
- Auditing experience is preferred.
- Technical knowledge of regulatory requirements, inclusive of FSMA, HACCP, microbial hazards, agrochemicals, hygienic design, third party auditing entities, sanitation procedures, and plant operations.
- FSMA Human Foods PCQI, Produce Safety Rule, Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) and HACCP certifications preferred
- Competency in Microsoft Office and other software as applicable.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills required
- Ability to conduct food safety audits
- Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical personnel
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
- Flexibility with schedule as needed with ability to work beyond normal business hours with some weekends.
- Ability to work in agriculture environment and around heavy equipment.
- Occasionally exposed to cold, wet and/or humid conditions.
- Availability to travel, mainly domestic, approximately 30%.
- Bilingual English and Spanish preferred.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. This job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Dole Fresh Fruit Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.