Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory Associate 2027

Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory Associate

About the Role

Cargill's purpose is to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. As an associate, your knowledge and skills will be transferred into profound experiences that positively impact our global community. This position is designed to develop and train recent college graduates for roles of increased complexity within the Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory (FSQR) job family. Associates will undergo extensive on-the-job training to become familiar with business operations, processing production, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), food safety, quality, process control, and regulatory compliance. You will be assigned key projects and responsible for overseeing and managing food safety and quality programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily assessment of process quality parameters and food safety and quality systems, including raw materials, calibration, maintenance, procedures, food safety, training, auditing, and oversight of analytical testing.
• Data analysis, trend identification, troubleshooting, corrective action, and communication regarding processing data, final product, and wastewater.
• Identify and resolve product quality problems, ensuring quality, food safety, and microbiological requirements are met.
• Complete specific FSQR projects.
• Write FSQR/Micro procedures.
• Complete facility and Processing Area FSQR Assessments and Sanitation Assessments.
• Support and coordinate corrective action teams.
• Participate in committee and engagement activities.
• Provide back-up assistance for FSQR Professionals and Supervisors.
• Complete pre-shipment review and product clearances.
• Communicate FSQR and Micro results, including timely reporting of all quality assurance activities.
• Maintain all manufacturing, safety, FSQR, Pre-requisite Programs (PRPs), and HACCP policies.
• Organize and maintain accurate information to assure processes and products are food safe.
• Coordinate and monitor FSQR audits/reviews of operational systems.
• Cross-train in both FSQR and Micro functions, including operation/calibration of equipment, aseptic technique when sampling, and information management (SPC, computer data entry).
• Assist in training needs and plant training programs for new FSQR/Micro employees.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned, including process improvement projects, development and modification of QA procedures and documents, recruiting, interviewing, and assisting other locations with process start-ups and projects.

Environment

• Located in an industrial/processing plant environment.
• Team-based, fast-paced, and hands-on work.
• Requires a moderate amount of physical exertion and may involve conditions such as heat, cold, or working in wet environments.
• May require working different shifts (1st, 2nd, and 3rd).
• Culture focuses on Safety, Employee Engagement, Inclusion, & Innovation.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Right to work in the U.S. (not solely based on a student visa or third-party sponsored visa).
• Currently pursuing or recently graduated with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a technical science program (e.g., Animal Science, Meat Science, Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, or related technical science degree, excluding social sciences).
• Graduation between December 2025 – Summer 2027.
• Geographically flexible to relocate anywhere in the U.S.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work optimally with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Ability to contribute both as part of a team and individually.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Overall 3.0 GPA preferred on a 4.0 scale.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English).
• Basic food safety knowledge, with specific emphasis on HACCP, GMPs, labeling, food additives, sanitation, and food microbiology.
• Experience applying statistical and quality management tools (e.g., control charts, histograms, capability studies).
• Strong leadership and technical skills.
• Demonstrated ability in collaboration, communication, motivation, interpersonal effectiveness, teamwork, and successful work completion.
• Moderate computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, and database navigation).
• Experience applying Continuous Improvement concepts.

Job Locations

Various Beef Processing & Value-Added Protein locations across the U.S., including:

• Butler, WI
• Columbus, NE
• Dodge City, KS
• Fort Worth, TX
• Hazleton, PA
• Lake Odessa, MI
• Mason City, IA
• Monticello, MN
• Nebraska City, NE
• Newnan, GA
• Round Rock, TX
• Schuyler, NE
• Wyalusing, PA

Locations are subject to change.