Job Description

Job Title: Quality Assurance Field Specialist

Location: Corporate

Department: Quality Assurance

FLSA: Exempt

Band: Professional

Job Last Reviewed: Jan 2025

Job Summary: The Quality Assurance Field Specialist (QAFS) will audit and support food safety and workplace safety activities at store level and monitor, mentor and coach store execution of established food preparation practices to promote safe quality food. The QAFS will partner with stores that do not meet internal food safety audit standards by providing additional coaching, mentoring and support. For stores in new markets, the QAFS will provide food safety and workplace safety coaching and help to establish knowledge of Wawa food safety standards and programs. This role will assist with regulatory compliance follow up to include local, state health departments and OSHA compliance as requested. The ability to establish a strong partnership with operations is crucial to drive continuous improvement and integrate Wawa food safety culture. The QAFS will instruct and proctor the Servsafe Food Protection Manager Course.

Principal Duties:

Audit stores for food safety and workplace safety using the FSRA (Food Safety Risk Assessment). Demonstrate, coach and articulate the importance of food safety and established product handling procedures during the execution of the FSRA audit including food service programs to store teams. Assess the proper execution of standards utilizing the Food Safety Risk Audit. Participate in calibration on FSRA with internal team and with third party audit company.

Demonstrate knowledge of the Food Code and participate in continuous education programs to earn CEU’s. Demonstrate in depth understanding of the Wawa Food Safety and Workplace Safety Standards.

Provide coaching in food safety and workplace safety for stores that do not meet internal food safety standards or are above thresholds for critical violations. Coach managers and store associates to improve the execution of food service processes and knowledge of Wawa Food Safety Standards and workplace safety. Provide information and respond to questions raised by store management and associates. Support a mindset of continuous improvement and goal of zero criticals.

Assess the progress of stores below standards using the Food Safety Risk Audit as assigned by the QAFS Supervisor. Address non-compliance issues and coach stores to evaluate improvements in compliance to food quality standards. Review store level action plans to improve and maintain food safety and workplace quality standards.

Develop a strong partnership with Operations management. Attend Operations meetings to provide FSRA updates and address any FSRA concerns. Consult with and provide support to Area Managers and Store Management Teams to ensure standards are maintained and concerns are pro actively addressed.

Follow up on regulatory non compliance, crisis management situations and establish relationships with local regulators on an as needed basis and when requested by the Manager of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance.

Coach associates in new markets and educate on Wawa Food Safety Standards. Integrate food safety behaviors and culture into training and encourage a mind set of food safety ownership for all store associates.

Provide support for special and community events that include food service.

Support program roll outs and provide coaching for store operations in new equipment , product and  processes.

Teach and proctor the Servsafe food safety certification training and provide additional support as needed to help associates receive a passing grade.  

Essential Functions:

Daily travel required, approx. 80% travel. Valid driver’s license required.This position is located in the Mid-West United StatesAbility to work well individually as well as in a team environmentExcellent oral and written communication skillsExcellent customer service skillsAbility to work with little or no supervisionDetail oriented and strong organizational skillsStrong analytical and problem solving skillsAbility to handle multiple projectsExcellent interpersonal skillsProven self-starter with demonstrated ability to make decisionsSolid leadership skillsDemonstrated abilities in coaching associates

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree preferredCFSP (Certified Food Safety Professional Certificate) a plusPrevious regulatory experience or auditing experience preferableThree to five years in application of food safety related experienceKnowledgeable in food service management procedures, processes and techniquesCurrent Certified Food Protection Manager by accredited agency such as Serv-Safe.Knowledgeable in pest control and preventive measures

Wawa will provide reasonable accommodation to complete an application upon request, consistent with applicable law. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Associate Service Center at asc@wawa.com or 1-800-444-9292.

Wawa, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Wawa maintains a work environment in which Associates are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and Associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.