Quality Systems Specialist

Job Title:                      Food Safety & Quality Systems Specialist

Function:                      Quality                           

Reports to:                   FSQA Systems Manager

Location:                      Whitehall East, WI

Position Type:             Full-time, Exempt

Schedule:                     M-F, 8am to 5pm

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Ornua (meaning “new gold”) is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, proudly bringing the unique taste of Irish dairy to the world since 1961.

Are you a Food Safety & Quality professional looking for the challenge of taking a mission-driven organization to its next level of success?

Ornua is actively seeking a Food Safety & Quality Systems Specialist to join the Ornua Family as we continue our growth trajectory. This position will play a key role in maintaining and strengthening our Quality Management Systems, supporting regulatory compliance, and advancing food safety and quality performance across our manufacturing operations.

WHY THIS ROLE IS VALUABLE

As our Food Safety & Quality Systems Specialist, you will play an essential role in supporting Ornua’s food safety culture and ensuring our facilities maintain the highest standards of regulatory and certification compliance.

You will help drive the effectiveness of our BRC-certified Quality Management System, support internal and third-party audit readiness, and maintain the documentation and processes that ensure safe, high-quality dairy products reach our customers. Your work will directly support operational excellence, continuous improvement, and the integrity of our food safety programs.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

You bring a strong foundation in food safety and quality systems within a manufacturing environment, along with a proactive mindset focused on continuous improvement. You are detail-oriented, highly organized, and comfortable managing documentation, audits, and compliance programs that support regulatory and certification requirements.

You thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy partnering with cross-functional teams to strengthen food safety programs, support training initiatives, and drive accountability across plant operations. Your analytical thinking, communication skills, and ability to translate standards into practical processes help ensure consistency and operational success.

At Ornua, success is not just about what you do — it’s how you do it. You demonstrate our values by seeking new ideas, making things happen, showing care for your teammates, being your authentic self, and achieving great things together.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a food manufacturing environment or technical support role within Food Safety & Quality
• Working knowledge of food safety and regulatory standards (FDA, USDA, dairy regulations)
• Experience supporting or maintaining Quality Management Systems and audit readiness
• Strong organizational, analytical, and documentation management skills
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel 20–40% as needed

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of FSMA, CFR, and regulatory compliance frameworks
• Experience with BRC Global Standard for Food Safety programs
• PCQI & HACCP certification
• Experience leading or supporting third-party audits
• Exposure to Lean Six Sigma or project management methodologies
• Experience with Identity Preserved food programs (Kosher, Halal, Organic)
• Familiarity with data analysis, laboratory methods, and sampling methodology

WHY ORNUA?

Ornua is a purpose-driven, values-led co-operative creating value for Irish dairy farming families through our global operations. With 10 business units, 16 production facilities, and in-market teams across the world, we operate through two divisions — Ornua Foods, which markets our iconic consumer brands including Kerrygold and Pilgrims Choice, and Ornua Ingredients, which provides innovative, customized dairy ingredient solutions to our customers.

• Our Values lie at the core of everything we do. Our five values encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care, and Achieve Great Things Together.
• We invest in our people and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Career progression opportunities, including global mobility.
• Comprehensive benefits with region-specific offerings.

TOTAL REWARDS

At Ornua Ingredients North America, our Total Rewards package goes far beyond your paycheck. From day one, you’ll have access to a comprehensive benefits offering that includes: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Life Insurance, Accident, Hospital, and Critical Illness coverage, 401(k) with company matching and 100% immediate vesting, Generous Paid Time Off,20 weeks of Maternity Leave, Parental Leave, Annual Incentive Bonus, Career Growth and advance opportunities, and Education Reimbursement.

Would you like to make an impact? Apply today!

Ornua is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will be provided with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or genetic information.  Ornua is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact Ornua People Services at 833-450-2385 or peopleservicesus@ornua.com. 

This employer participates in E-Verify, a federal program that verifies the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. As part of the hiring process, information provided on your Form I-9 will be submitted to the E-Verify system. E-Verify compares your information to records maintained by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.
For more information about E-Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov.