Quality Assurance Specialist

About this role

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise – So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes™. Our network of 30+ North American and European laboratories serves the food & beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

Our Brands

Certified Group is comprised of a set of specialized brands that collectively deliver laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services across highly regulated industries:

• Certified Laboratories – Provides comprehensive analytical and microbiological testing, primarily supporting food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplement industries.

• Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) – A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food industry.

• Labstat – A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products, with deep expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology.

• EAS Consulting Group – A regulatory consulting firm offering expert guidance, training, and auditing support across FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors, powered by a large network of independent advisors.

• FSNS Certification & Audit – Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs.

Job Function

The Quality Systems Specialist is primarily responsible for the following:

• Designs, develops, and implements internal auditing programs and procedures consistent with the organization’s requirements

• Performs Internal Audits, to ensure that procedures are available and adhered to according to requirements for maintaining ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation and GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) recognition.

• Performs GLP inspections to ensure that GLP studies are completed according to OECD and/or FDA GLP requirements.

• Reports audit findings to Director QA or designate and conducts post-audit meetings as necessary.

• Performs/ reviews non-conformance investigations to ensure the non-conformance has been addressed and full and proper resolution has been documented.

• Issues corrective actions in response to Quality Systems activities, tracking the progress and verifying the implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions

• Completes evaluation of supplier quality

• Arranges and prepares for external audits, assists with pre and post-assessment activities. Coordinates necessary action on audit findings corrective/preventive actions, and responds to related findings externally.

• Reviews/ Evaluates laboratory performance in Proficiency testing/ Inter-laboratory studies

• Coordinates/ performs refresher training (ISO 17025 and GMP) for laboratory staff.

• Reports quality metrics regularly to top management

• Responsible for quality projects as assigned

Primary Responsibilities

• schedule and perform internal audits

• Participate in external audits

• review and investigate non-conformances, client complaints

• Issue and monitor corrective actions

• Evaluate supplier quality

• Review, approve, and maintain equipment qualification records

• Perform Administrative Tasks

• The employee shall implement the Laboratory Quality Policy and perform their duties in accordance to existing job specific requirements and procedures

• Compliance to Health & Safety policies and procedures; wear required…