FSQA Testing Specialist
5 days ago
Queens
Restaurant Depot is the nation’s leading members-only, wholesale cash-and-carry supplier serving independent restaurants, caterers, delis, convenience stores, and other food service businesses across 165+ locations in 35 states. Our facilities handle high-volume distribution of food, beverage, & equipment products to support the operational needs of small businesses. We are committed to quality, safety, & compliance across all products and operations. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a detail-oriented FSQA Testing Specialist to support product testing, compliance, & quality assurance initiatives across our private label & vendor network. Position Summary The FSQA Testing Specialist is responsible for coordinating product testing programs, analyzing quality data, & ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards. This role partners closely with third-party laboratories, vendors, & internal teams to evaluate product performance, investigate discrepancies, & support the development of testing protocols that ensure product integrity and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, & highly organized with experience in food safety, quality assurance, or product testing. This individual should be comfortable managing multiple projects, interpreting technical data, & communicating findings across cross-functional teams. Key Responsibilities Product Testing & Compliance • Coordinate & oversee product testing programs, including scheduling with third-party laboratories, • Support foreign facility inspections & ensure alignment with testing and compliance requirements, • Ensure product testing meets internal specifications, regulatory standards, & quality expectations, • Monitor testing timelines & ensure completion of required testing activities, • Maintain accurate records of testing results, certifications, & compliance documentation Data Analysis & Reporting • Analyze product testing results to evaluate quality, safety, & specification compliance, • Consolidate laboratory reports & communicate findings, risks, & recommendations to stakeholders, • Identify trends, discrepancies, & areas of concern within testing data, • Support reporting related to product quality, compliance, & testing performance, • Ensure accurate documentation & tracking of all testing outcomes & corrective actions Quality Evaluation & Assurance • Conduct internal product quality evaluations to validate product performance & consistency, • Review product specifications to ensure alignment with testing requirements, • Support investigation of product quality issues, including root cause analysis & corrective actions, • Partner with internal teams to ensure product quality standards are clearly defined & maintained, • Assist in ensuring consistency across private label & vendor product quality expectations Cross-Functional Collaboration • Collaborate with buying, logistics, accounts payable, & operations teams to support product quality initiatives, • Partner with suppliers, vendors, & third-party labs to ensure testing accuracy & compliance, • Communicate testing requirements, results, & action plans to internal & external stakeholders, • Support cross-functional alignment on product specifications, testing protocols, & compliance standards, • Assist with resolving product quality issues across departments Process Improvement & Systems • Develop & implement testing tools, data collection systems, & reporting processes, • Support the creation & maintenance of SOPs related to product testing & vendor compliance, • Identify opportunities to improve testing processes, compliance monitoring, & reporting efficiency, • Assist in developing internal tracking systems for vendor product compliance, • Support national testing strategies & continuous improvement initiatives within FSQA Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field, • 2+ years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, product testing, or a related field, • Working knowledge of HACCP, PCQI, & general food safety requirements, • Strong analytical & problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret technical data, • Excellent attention to detail & organizational skills, • Strong written & verbal communication skills, • Ability to manage multiple projects & meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, • Ability to work independently & collaboratively across teams Preferred Qualifications • Experience working with third-party laboratories or product testing programs, • Experience in import, distribution, or wholesale environments, • Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements for food & non-food (disposable) products, • Experience developing SOPs, testing protocols, or compliance processes, • Experience supporting vendor compliance or quality assurance programs Skills & Competencies • Strong knowledge of food safety, quality assurance, & product testing methodologies, • High level of accuracy & attention to detail, • Strong analytical & data interpretation skills, • Ability to manage multiple projects & priorities simultaneously, • Strong problem-solving & investigative abilities, • Effective communication & cross-functional collaboration skills, • Ability to interpret & communicate technical information clearly, • Strong organizational & documentation skills, • Commitment to quality, compliance, & continuous improvement Compensation & Benefits • Competitive salary commensurate with experience, • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match, • Paid Time Off (PTO) in accordance with company policy, • Six (6) Paid Company Holidays, • Tuition Reimbursement Program, subject to eligibility & plan guidelines, • Additional voluntary supplemental benefits, which may include life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance programs, & other optional benefits, • Competitive & comprehensive benefits package designed to support you & your family