2.2.15 Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) Job Description

Essential Functions

  • Work with the Food Defense Coordinator to maintain the facility’s Food Safety Plan, including hazard analysis, preventive controls, monitoring, verification, and corrective actions.
  • Conduct hazard analysis and identify critical points where preventive controls are needed to mitigate food safety risks.
  • Validate and verify preventive controls, including process, allergen, sanitation, and supply-chain controls.
  • Review and update the Food Safety Plan as needed, particularly when changes in processes, ingredients, or products occur.
  • Conduct and document corrective actions and root cause analyses in the event of deviations or non-conformances.
  • Ensure compliance with FSMA, FDA, USDA, and other relevant food safety regulations.
  • Train and mentor staff on food safety protocols, GMPs, and preventive controls.
  • Prepare for and participate in third-party audits and regulatory inspections.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records as required by law and internal quality systems.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (production, sanitation, quality, supply chain) to ensure food safety practices are effectively integrated into daily operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Superior record keeping and analytical skills required to maintain compliance with the company’s Food Safety Program.
  • Superior process improvement skills.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong business partnering and interpersonal skills.
  • Proven ability to build and manage successful teams.
  • Organized, flexible, and easily adaptable to changing conditions.
  • Ability to develop and successfully execute strategy.
  • Ability to work well in high-pressure situations to meet deadlines.

Required Qualifications

  • Must be a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual, as defined by FSMA (completed an FDA-recognized training course such as the FSPCA PCQI course).
  • Strong working knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, GMPs, and food safety regulations.
  • Experience with audits (FDA, USDA, GFSI, SQF, BRC, etc.) is a plus.
  • Excellent attention to detail and documentation skills.
  • Strong communication and leadership abilities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and food safety/quality management systems.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, or a related field preferred.
  • Knowledge of sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs).
  • Experience with foreign supplier verification programs (FSVP).
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.
Version:
1.0.0
Published:
2025 NOV 14