Food Safety and Quality Assurance Technician at Sysco in Houston, Texas

Are you passionate about food safety and quality? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where you can make a real difference? Sysco, the global leader in foodservice distribution, is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) Technician to join our team in Buckhead, Houston. In this role, you will play a vital part in ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of safety and quality, protecting our customers and upholding Sysco's reputation for excellence.

Role Overview

As an FSQA Technician, you will be responsible for monitoring and supporting food safety and quality assurance programs at our Sysco Specialty Meat and/or Seafood Company. Your primary focus will be on ensuring compliance with corporate and regulatory requirements, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs), pest control, good manufacturing practices (GMPs), and more. You will work closely with various departments, including operations, sales, transportation, and maintenance, as well as Sysco Operating Companies and supplier/customer personnel.

A Day in the Life of an FSQA Technician

Here’s a glimpse into what your daily routine might look like:

• Morning: Start the day by reviewing production records and verifying that critical control points (CCPs) are being monitored and documented correctly. Conduct a pre-operational inspection of the production floor to ensure it is clean and sanitary.
• Mid-day: Monitor the production process, ensuring adherence to SSOPs and GMPs. Collect samples for microbiological testing and analyze data to identify potential hazards or areas for improvement.
• Afternoon: Assist with employee training on FSQA programs, policies, and procedures. Investigate customer complaints related to food safety or quality issues. Participate in internal audits to assess compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.
• End of Day: Prepare reports summarizing daily activities and findings. Communicate any issues or concerns to the FSQA Manager or other relevant personnel. Assist with maintaining accurate records of all FSQA activities.

Why Houston, Texas?

Houston is a vibrant and diverse city with a thriving culinary scene. As the fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston offers a wide range of cultural attractions, entertainment options, and recreational activities. With its affordable cost of living and strong job market, Houston is an excellent place to live and work. The Buckhead area of Houston, where this position is located, provides a convenient commute and access to a variety of amenities.

Career Path

Sysco is committed to providing opportunities for growth and advancement to our employees. The FSQA Technician role is an excellent starting point for a career in food safety and quality assurance. With experience and further training, you could advance to positions such as FSQA Supervisor, FSQA Manager, or even roles in corporate food safety and quality assurance. Sysco also offers opportunities to pursue certifications such as Certified Food Safety Manager or HACCP certification, which can enhance your career prospects.

Salary & Benefits

Sysco offers a competitive salary and benefits package to our employees. The estimated salary range for the FSQA Technician position in Houston, Texas is $45,000 to $65,000 per year. In addition to salary, Sysco provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Prescription drug coverage
• Health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA)
• Paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance (short-term and long-term)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Wellness programs
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee discounts on Sysco products and services

Sysco Culture

At Sysco, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. We foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and innovation. We are committed to providing our employees with the training and resources they need to succeed. We also believe in giving back to the communities where we live and work through volunteerism and charitable giving.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining the Sysco team as an FSQA Technician, we encourage you to apply online through the Sysco careers website. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience. We look forward to hearing from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the key responsibilities of an FSQA Technician? The FSQA Technician is responsible for monitoring and supporting food safety and quality assurance programs, ensuring compliance with corporate and regulatory requirements, and assisting with employee training.
2. What qualifications are required for this position? The ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of experience in the meat and/or seafood industry at a federal CFIA/FDA processing plant, formal training in TQM, SPC, and HACCP concepts, and a valid driver's license.
3. What is the salary range for this position? The estimated salary range for the FSQA Technician position in Houston, Texas is $45,000 to $65,000 per year.
4. What benefits does Sysco offer? Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) retirement plan, and more.
5. What is the work environment like? The work environment can be demanding, requiring work in a production environment and inspection requires working on a moving line, lifting cartons, and visual inspection.
6. What is the career path for this role? With experience and further training, you could advance to positions such as FSQA Supervisor, FSQA Manager, or even roles in corporate food safety and quality assurance.
7. Does the role involve any physical activity? Yes, plant audits and inspections may require lifting of products up to 100 pounds and prolonged standing and walking.
8. What kind of training will I receive? You will receive training on FSQA programs, policies, and procedures, as well as ongoing professional development opportunities.
9. Is there room for growth within the company? Yes, Sysco is committed to providing opportunities for growth and advancement to our employees.
10. Who should I contact if I have further questions about the position? You can contact the Sysco HR department or the hiring manager listed on the job posting.