ABOUT ALBERT USTER IMPORTS

Albert Uster Imports, Inc. (“AUI”) is a privately held gourmet food company headquartered in the Washington, DC area (Gaithersburg, MD) with warehouse locations in Kansas City, Las Vegas, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Gaithersburg. AUI falls under the Vestar Capital Partners portfolio with affiliate organization, Roland Foods, LLC.

Founded in 1968, the company offers over 1,400 products from around the world. We serve leading hotels, restaurants, casinos, cruise lines, airlines, and manufacturers with innovative, high-quality products and solutions to their most demanding culinary challenges. We operate a network of distribution centers across the U.S. and serve select international markets as well. AUI has a national direct selling organization of over 60 sales professionals and a staff of culinary experts (chefs and food scientists) adept at custom product solutions.

 

ABOUT THE ROLE

AUI HQ in Gaithersburg location is currently hiring for a Quality Assurance Associate. The ideal candidate will have basic knowledge of current US Food Regulations especially related to product compliance or will be able to look up info by independently researching through regulatory documents. This role will communicate with international and domestic suppliers in obtaining needed info and will actively work with cross-functional teams internally – Innovations, Marketing, Purchasing, Customer Service, and Sales teams – so that the food safety and quality control processes and results are understood and meet Regulatory and Company standards. This role will report directly to AUI Quality Assurance Manager.

As a response to the pandemic, Albert Uster Imports office employees have transitioned to a hybrid working schedule, requiring employees to report in-person Monday through Wednesday, with the option to telework on Thursday and Friday each week. Due to the collaborative, cross-functional nature of the organization, employees at the Gaithersburg office are required to work in-person for the abovementioned days, outside of any People & Culture-approved disability accommodation request.


RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Review AUI product labels in ensuring accurate and proper declaration to comply with company standards, US labeling Laws and Regulations
  • Review and evaluate info provided from suppliers to verify product compliance against US Laws and Regulations per CFR and FSMA
  • Evaluate each product status and maintain certificates - e.g.: Organic, Kosher, Halal, GMO, allergen status, plant-based, and Clean
  • Continuously maintain all product related info in a central product database and communicate to all necessary departments to maintain accuracy of all information channels.
  • Assist in AUI Product Red Flag Program in ensuring incoming products are in full compliance
  • Conduct product testing at R&D Test Kitchen on reported non-conformities and ensure proper root cause analysis and solve issues internally and externally in a timely manner
  • Facilitate AUI Foreign Supplier Verification Program by requesting and maintaining vendor FSQA documentations via an online management portal
  • Perform other relevant FSQA tasks as needed

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or in a related field or equivalent experience
  • General knowledge of Food Safety and Quality; Familiar with analytical and microbiological terms
  • Capable of obtaining needed info by researching and understanding regulations and laws; Active learner
  • Experienced with documentation or data management is preferred
  • Solid knowledge of food labeling compliance and state/federal laws and regulations is preferred
  • HACCP certificate is a plus
  • Excellent organizational skills and detail-oriented
  • Ability to work independently and handle multitasks
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong computer skills; proficient in Excel and Word


Founded by immigrants, AUI Fine Foods knows that diversity is the spice of life. We believe in the power of food to open minds, spark adventure, and bring diverse people together.  All are welcome at our table! We know the transformative value of food in individual lives and communities. Because of this, we insist on obtaining the highest-quality ingredients and talent!

AUI Fine Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. AUI Fine Foods considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. AUI Fine Foods is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at peopleandculture@rolandfoods.com. #zr



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