Restaurant Depot is the nation’s leading members-only, wholesale cash-and-carry supplier serving independent restaurants, caterers, delis, convenience stores, and other food service businesses across 165+ locations in 35 states. Our facilities handle high-volume distribution of food, beverage, & equipment products to support the operational needs of small businesses. We are committed to quality, safety, & compliance across all products and operations. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a detail-oriented FSQA Testing Specialist to support product testing, compliance, & quality assurance initiatives across our private label & vendor network.
Position Summary
The FSQA Testing Specialist is responsible for coordinating product testing programs, analyzing quality data, & ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards. This role partners closely with third-party laboratories, vendors, & internal teams to evaluate product performance, investigate discrepancies, & support the development of testing protocols that ensure product integrity and regulatory compliance.
The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, & highly organized with experience in food safety, quality assurance, or product testing. This individual should be comfortable managing multiple projects, interpreting technical data, & communicating findings across cross-functional teams.
Key Responsibilities
Product Testing & Compliance
- Coordinate & oversee product testing programs, including scheduling with third-party laboratories
- Support foreign facility inspections & ensure alignment with testing and compliance requirements
- Ensure product testing meets internal specifications, regulatory standards, & quality expectations
- Monitor testing timelines & ensure completion of required testing activities
- Maintain accurate records of testing results, certifications, & compliance documentation
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Analyze product testing results to evaluate quality, safety, & specification compliance
- Consolidate laboratory reports & communicate findings, risks, & recommendations to stakeholders
- Identify trends, discrepancies, & areas of concern within testing data
- Support reporting related to product quality, compliance, & testing performance
- Ensure accurate documentation & tracking of all testing outcomes & corrective actions
Quality Evaluation & Assurance
- Conduct internal product quality evaluations to validate product performance & consistency
- Review product specifications to ensure alignment with testing requirements
- Support investigation of product quality issues, including root cause analysis & corrective actions
- Partner with internal teams to ensure product quality standards are clearly defined & maintained
- Assist in ensuring consistency across private label & vendor product quality expectations
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with buying, logistics, accounts payable, & operations teams to support product quality initiatives
- Partner with suppliers, vendors, & third-party labs to ensure testing accuracy & compliance
- Communicate testing requirements, results, & action plans to internal & external stakeholders
- Support cross-functional alignment on product specifications, testing protocols, & compliance standards
- Assist with resolving product quality issues across departments
Process Improvement & Systems
- Develop & implement testing tools, data collection systems, & reporting processes
- Support the creation & maintenance of SOPs related to product testing & vendor compliance
- Identify opportunities to improve testing processes, compliance monitoring, & reporting efficiency
- Assist in developing internal tracking systems for vendor product compliance
- Support national testing strategies & continuous improvement initiatives within FSQA
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field
- 2+ years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, product testing, or a related field
- Working knowledge of HACCP, PCQI, & general food safety requirements
- Strong analytical & problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret technical data
- Excellent attention to detail & organizational skills
- Strong written & verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects & meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work independently & collaboratively across teams
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with third-party laboratories or product testing programs
- Experience in import, distribution, or wholesale environments
- Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements for food & non-food (disposable) products
- Experience developing SOPs, testing protocols, or compliance processes
- Experience supporting vendor compliance or quality assurance programs
Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of food safety, quality assurance, & product testing methodologies
- High level of accuracy & attention to detail
- Strong analytical & data interpretation skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects & priorities simultaneously
- Strong problem-solving & investigative abilities
- Effective communication & cross-functional collaboration skills
- Ability to interpret & communicate technical information clearly
- Strong organizational & documentation skills
- Commitment to quality, compliance, & continuous improvement
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
- Paid Time Off (PTO) in accordance with company policy
- Six (6) Paid Company Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement Program, subject to eligibility & plan guidelines
- Additional voluntary supplemental benefits, which may include life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance programs, & other optional benefits
- Competitive & comprehensive benefits package designed to support you & your family