FSQA & Product Release Specialist

Summary

This role is responsible for leading product release execution and data management related to analytical testing and food safety requirements for the Twin Falls site. Under the general direction of the Senior Quality Manager and Sr. Director of FSQA and Sanitation, this position independently manages release plans, testing schedules, and disposition decisions for finished and in-process products. The role serves as a primary point of authority for coordinating release readiness, managing microbiological testing programs, and ensuring timely, compliant product disposition. This position requires independent judgment, functional leadership, and accountability for food safety, regulatory compliance, and business risk, including off-shift and weekend decision support. The role ensures full compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety plans, and site safety protocols within the Twin Falls laboratory.

This role is based onsite at our Twin Falls, Idaho facility to support close collaboration with plant operations and laboratory teams. Remote or hybrid work arrangements are not available for this position. Relocation assistance may be provided for candidates who are open to relocating to the Twin Falls area.

Because this role supports a 24/7 manufacturing environment, occasional on-call support and weekend or off-hours work may be required to ensure timely product release decisions and operational continuity.

Responsibilities

• Own finished product and in-process release readiness, serving as the primary decision maker for release, hold, rework, remix, or destruction during assigned shifts, weekends, and off-production days.
• Lead and manage the site microbiology laboratory program, including test execution, method validation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate and oversee all stages of analytical and microbiological testing, ensuring testing timelines align with production and release schedules.
• Ensure compliance with FSQA, GMP, GLP, food safety, and regulatory requirements, maintaining audit-ready documentation and data integrity.
• Independently assess testing results, deviations, and food safety risk; escalate high-risk or non-standard issues to senior quality leadership as required.
• Author, maintain, and update microbiology SOPs, test methods, and work instructions to ensure accuracy, compliance, and consistency.
• Lead investigations, corrective actions, and root cause analysis for non-conforming or invalid results; support nonconformance tracking and trending.
• Provide off-hours and on-call FSQA leadership support to Operations, Sanitation, and Supply Chain to coordinate holds, rework, and release activities to minimize downtime and ensure timely product shipments.
• Oversee sample receipt, handling, storage, and external testing coordination; ensure timely and accurate communication of results to key stakeholders.
• Provide functional oversight and technical direction to laboratory technicians and cross-functional partners related to microbiological testing, release processes, and product disposition.
• Own LIMS and SAP data accuracy, reporting, and data integrity for microbiology and release testing; ensure timely reporting and audit readiness.
• Support testing activities for key projects and studies, including shelf-life, method development, and process validation, under leadership guidance.
• Follow and enforce Chobani safety procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, microbiology, or related field, or equivalent relevant experience in food and/or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
• In-depth knowledge of food microbiology principles and microbiological test procedures.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a laboratory setting (industry and/or academic).
• Demonstrated attention to detail and strong commitment to quality and data integrity.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and critical-thinking skills with the ability to work under pressure and make independent decisions.
• Familiarity with standard analytical and microbiological methods used in food manufacturing.
• Skilled and knowledgeable in Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) and regulatory expectations.
• Experience working with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and SAP systems.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating effectively within a team in a fast paced dynamic environment.
• Ability to understand, record, analyze, and communicate technical data and trends.
• Ability to meet physical demands associated with laboratory and manufacturing environments, including wet and cold conditions.
• Ability to work non-standard schedules as required by business need, including weekends, off-production days, and on-call responsibilities.
• Strong organizational, project management, and time-management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with both technical and non-technical teams.