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Open Gates Group

Food Safety Quality Engineer

Open Gates Group, Iowa, Louisiana, United States, 70647

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Description Open Gates Group, based near Kalona, IA, is a family of companies dedicated to the growth and manufacturing of local dairy products. What began as a single creamery has grown into 11 businesses that source, produce, and deliver high-quality Midwestern products to over 3,500 stores nationwide. Our organic milk is uniquely special because it comes from grass-fed cows on small family farms, pasteurized at the lowest legal temperature, non-homogenized, and verified regenerative through Land to Market- which means that our cows are grazed in a way that enhances the environment, rather than harming it. We’re seeking a

Food Safety Quality Engineer

to help us continue raising the standards for food safety and quality. Position Summary

The

Food Safety Quality Engineer

is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing quality and food safety systems that drive continuous improvement across production processes. This role works cross-functionally with multiple teams to identify and resolve quality-related issues, ensuring products consistently meet internal standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain food safety and quality programs (HACCP, PCQI, GMP, SQF, SOPs, SSOPs). Ensure compliance with regulatory, GFSI, and customer requirements (SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000, FDA, USDA Dairy, Organic, and Kosher). Lead and support internal and external audits, including corrective action and closure of findings. Investigate food safety concerns, customer complaints, and non-conformances. Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize production, sanitation, and quality processes. Collect and analyze production and testing data to identify trends and recommend improvements. Maintain accurate quality documentation, including audit reports, test results, and compliance records. Partner with production staff and quality teams to strengthen day-to-day quality practices. Develop and deliver training on food safety, GMPs, chemical safety, and quality culture. Provide technical guidance to ensure product specifications and quality standards are consistently met. Skills & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, or a related field preferred. Minimum of 3 years of food safety and quality experience in food manufacturing (dairy preferred). Proven experience conducting and supporting internal and external audits (FDA, SQF, Organic, Kosher, Dairy inspections). Strong knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, PCQI, and food safety systems. Skilled in data analysis, root cause problem solving, and corrective action planning. Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams. Self-starter with strong organizational and project management skills. Leadership and team-building skills with a track record of driving results through cross-functional collaboration. Proficiency in Google Suite. Willingness to continually embrace personal and professional development.

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