Understanding QA Roles in the Food Industry

A practical guide for recruiters and quality professionals

In the food industry, QA job titles often mean different things in different companies. Sometimes even people working in Quality struggle to explain what they actually do and recruiters are expected to interpret it all.

This overview is not about hierarchy or ego. It’s about clarity, expectations, and honest conversations.

1.       QA Officer

Focus: Operational execution of the Quality Management System

Typical responsibilities:

• Daily quality operations

• Product release

• Review of production records and CCP documentation

• Handling minor non-conformities

• Supporting audits (documentation, evidence collection)

• Updating procedures and work instructions

• Basic training for production staff

Typical level:

• Junior to Medior

• Highly hands-on, limited decision authority

How to clarify with a recruiter

Is this role mainly operational, focused on daily quality tasks and product release ?

2.       QA Controller

Focus: Control, verification, and compliance on the shop floor

Typical responsibilities:

• GMP, hygiene, and labeling checks

• Quality inspections during production

• Verification of deviations and corrective actions

• Basic internal audits

• Trend reporting (complaints, deviations)

  
  

Typical level:

• Junior to Medior

• Strong presence in production

Important.

In many companies, QA Controller = QA Officer. Different title, same role.

How to clarify with a recruiter

Is this role mainly shop-floor oriented, performing daily quality controls ?

3.       QA Specialist

Focus: Technical expertise and system improvement

Typical responsibilities:

• HACCP studies and hazard analysis

• Validations and verifications (CCPs, metal detection, cleaning, etc.)

• Management of Change (MOC)

• Technical preparation and ownership of audits (IFS, BRCGS, FSSC 22000)

• Food Safety Culture initiatives

• Technical support to QA Officers and Controllers

Typical level:

• Medior to Senior

• Less routine, more analysis and decision-making

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How to clarify with a recruiter

Are you looking for someone to maintain the system, or to actively improve and develop it ?

4.       QA Manager / QA Lead / QA Team Leader

Focus: Strategy, leadership, and accountability

Typical responsibilities:

• Quality strategy and policy

• Leadership and development of the QA team

• Contact with customers, authorities, and certification bodies

• Final decision-making on critical quality issues

• KPIs, objectives, and continuous improvement

  
  

🚩 Red flag:

If most of these responsibilities are listed, but the title is QA Officer, expectations are likely misaligned.

Smart questions you can always ask:

These questions help both recruiters and candidates regain clarity:

1. How much time is spent on the shop floor versus desk work ?

2. Does this role execute the system or actively develop it ?

3. Is there ownership of HACCP, validations, or risk assessments ?

4. Is there direct contact with auditors and customers ?

5. Is there any team leadership or mentoring responsibility ?

Clear titles don’t create good quality systems.

Clear expectations and honest conversations do.

(Depending on the organization, QA Lead or QA Team Leader roles usually fall within the leadership scope)