Japanese Bilingual Food Safety Specialist

📍 El Monte, CA- Will look into relocation assistance for the right candidate

💵 $21.50/hr to $38/hr | Full-Time | On-site | M–F, 8AM–5PM (OT may apply)

About the Opportunity

We’re working with a well-established food import and distribution company seeking a Japanese Bilingual Food Safety Specialist to join their team in El Monte, CA. This role supports food safety compliance across imported products, audits, labeling, and quality documentation. You'll collaborate with both internal departments and external suppliers to uphold safety standards across the supply chain.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manage and distribute product documentation, including spec sheets, ingredient disclosures, audit certificates, and letters of guarantee.
• Coordinate with suppliers to collect and verify documentation as needed.
• Develop and maintain HACCP plans, GMPs, food defense protocols, allergen controls, and supplier verification programs.
• Review imported product labels and ingredients to ensure compliance with FDA and USDA regulations.
• Investigate non-conformities and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Prepare audit documentation and support internal audit readiness, including HACCP and equipment calibrations.
• Respond to customer quality complaints and implement follow-up solutions.
• Conduct regular internal audits and partner with warehouse operations to address quality gaps.
• Research and interpret food safety regulations across federal and state levels.
• Track and report NOAA fish import summaries.
• Manage regulatory certificate applications and renewals (state/federal).
• Support semiannual inventory and occasional company events outside standard hours.

What You’ll Bring

• Language: Business-level fluency in Japanese and English is required.
• Education: Bachelor’s in Food Science or a related field strongly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years in food safety, compliance, or a related quality assurance role.
• Tech Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office; ability to interpret data and documentation.
• Knowledge of: HACCP, GMP, labeling regulations, allergen management, and Japanese food products is a plus.
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication, organization, customer service, and attention to detail.

Physical Requirements

• Able to sit, type, and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
• Navigate office and warehouse environments; noise level ranges from normal to loud.

Perks and Benefits

• Fully paid health, dental, and vision insurance (for employees and dependents)
• 401(k) plan with company match (4%)
• Paid life insurance
• A collaborative, culturally rich work environment

PTO Benefits:

• Company holidays: 7 days
• Personal Holidays: 3 days if started before 9/30, 2 days if started after 9/30 in 2025. 5 days/year thereafter.
• Sick leave: 6 days/year
• Vacation: 10 days/year