Quality Specialist

IFF · Rockland, ME

Apply on IFF ↗

Level: Specialist
Team: Quality
Degree: Preferred
Experience asked: 2+ years
Industry: Chemicals
Posted: 17 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A specialist quality role at IFF (chemicals) in Rockland, ME.

They ask for: 2+ years · degree preferred
Tools it names: ISO 9001, FDA / GMP, Internal audits

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

How this role compares

Against 1045 other live quality postings in the US.

Base pay: Not listed in this posting
Experience asked: Less than usual (2+ vs 5+)

Skills these teams ask for most

Root cause 70%
FMEA 41%
Supplier quality 39%
Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 37%
Six Sigma 36%
SPC 36%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 2+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone on the team first.

At a glance

Promotion path mentioned

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Quality team at IFF
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Which standards drive the work here: ISO 13485, IATF 16949, AS9100?
- How much of the job is customer complaints versus prevention?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

Full description from IFFAs posted on their careers site.Show

Job Summary

Disseminate and promote quality standards according to country and international standards. Conduct analysis of finished products, semifinished products, imported raw materials used in the company. Analyze the effectiveness of processes and quality management systems. Ensure the adequacy of relevant procedures and computerized systems in accordance with reference standards and applicable legal requirements. Plan, control, and monitor the corrective actions of quality nonconformity detected in audits. Prepare reports and publish timelines in order to provide feedback and improve the management system through technical support. Comply with certifications regarding the products. Handle certification planning and keep track of certifications in order to meet the market's demands. Promote the training of teams, suppliers, and auditors in the processes and products of the company.

Role and

Requirements

✓Bachelor’s degree in food science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field (preferred) or equivalent work experience.
✓2+ years of experience in food manufacturing quality assurance or quality control.
✓Knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP, SQF, FSMA, GMPs).
✓Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
✓Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
✓Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management software.
✓Current and Valid Driver’s License

Show full description ↓

Quality Assurance and Compliance

•Monitor and enforce food safety and quality standards (GMP, HACCP, FSMA, SQF/BRC).
•Conduct internal audits, inspections, and corrective action plans.
•Maintain documentation and records for quality control processes.

Product Assurance

•Perform routine quality checks on raw materials, in-process production, and finished goods.
•Conduct sensory evaluations and laboratory tests as needed.
•Investigate and resolve quality-related issues or deviations.

Process Improvement and Training

•Assist in developing and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs).
•Support production teams with quality training and best practices.
•Recommend improvements to enhance product consistency and efficiency.

Regulatory and Customer Compliance

•Ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, and other regulatory bodies.
•Address customer complaints and quality concerns effectively.
•Collaborate with suppliers to maintain ingredient and packaging quality.

Preferred Skills

+Certification in HACCP, PCQI, or SQF Practitioner is a plus

Certification in ISO 9001 and 22002 is a plus.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Quality Specialist to join our food manufacturing team. This role ensures that all products meet regulatory, safety, and quality standards. The Quality Specialist will support quality assurance processes, conduct inspections, and assist in continuous improvement initiatives to maintain compliance with food safety regulations.

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more