Food Safety Micro Specialist

Job Summary

The Food Safety Micro Specialist ensures microbiological safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of all bottled products. This role manages the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP), supports HACCP and FSSC 22000 systems, and leads quality assurance initiatives to maintain globally recognized food safety certifications. The position collaborates cross-functionally to uphold FDA, company, and Coca-Cola North America (CCNA) standards, while driving continuous improvement and supporting incident management and crisis resolution (IMCR) efforts.

Job Responsibilities

Food Safety & Microbiology:  Develop, implement, and maintain HACCP and FSSC 22000 food safety management systems.  Manage the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP), including sampling, microbiological testing, data trending, and corrective actions. Oversee the micro program, water processing, syrup batching, and sensory testing to ensure compliance with standards.  Investigate microbiological deviations and contamination events; lead root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

Quality Assurance & Compliance:  Ensure compliance with FDA, CCNA, and company requirements across all QA processes. Maintain accurate QA documentation, including testing records, audit reports, and certification requirements. Participate in internal and external audits for regulatory, customer, and certification compliance. Verify that non-conforming products are held, isolated, and documented; complete RCA and issue DMRs for raw material or supplier-related issues.

Customer & Consumer Complaint Investigation:  Lead investigations into customer and consumer complaints, ensuring timely resolution and communication of findings. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify root causes and implement CAPA to prevent recurrence. Maintain complaint tracking systems and analyze trends to drive quality improvements.

Incident Management & Crisis Resolution (IMCR):  Support IMCR processes by coordinating response efforts during quality or food safety incidents. Facilitate cross-functional communication and documentation during crisis events. Participate in post-incident reviews and contribute to continuous improvement of IMCR protocols.

Continuous Improvement & Technical Support:  Promote safe work practices and ensure adherence to sanitation and housekeeping standards. Support operations with troubleshooting and innovative solutions for product, packaging, and process issues. Stay current with microbiological testing methods, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Science, or related field.
• 3+ years’ experience in food safety, microbiology, or QA in the beverage/bottling industry.
• Experience in leading quality initiatives or cross-functional projects preferred.
• HACCP Certification required; FSSC 22000, PCQI, or equivalent preferred.
• Experience managing Environmental Monitoring Programs and interpreting microbiological data.
• Strong knowledge of microbiology, HACCP, and FSSC 22000 standards.
• Familiarity with FDA, FSMA, and CCNA requirements.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and QA management systems.