QA Specialist

The QA Specialist will play a key role in ensuring food safety and workplace safety for all RA employees and Googlers. This position is focused on maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal health codes, specifically within the Google food program.

The QA Specialist will assist in managing sanitation standards, handling food-related incidents, and ensuring that all necessary health permits are up to date. They will work closely with chefs, managers, and building services to address any immediate health risks and maintain a high standard of food safety and cleanliness.

This role is based in New York, NY.

Sanitation:

• Assist in conducting food safety training for associates and managers, with a focus on proper HACCP practices.
• Support hourly associates and managers in utilizing safety tools such as logs, thermometers, and checklists, while monitoring hygiene and health standards.
• Provide pre-meal food safety briefings for managers and associates.
• Ensure that required logs (e.g., refrigeration, cooling, and holding) are maintained and updated regularly across all units.
• Monitor monthly back-of-house (BOH) cleaning schedules for consistency and adherence to standards.
• Support corrective action plans and collaborate with chefs and managers on addressing issues raised during inspections (HSS, DOH, NSF).
• Lead monthly food sanitation meetings and follow up on complaints regarding foodborne illnesses or food-related injuries.
• Track and follow up on DOH permit renewals and any violations, including DOH Tribunal matters.
• Set food sanitation and safety standards for new units and assist with identifying deficiencies before unit openings.
• Act as the liaison during DOH, NSF, and HSS audits and inspections.

Safety:

• Support the Regional Safety Champion role in reducing accidents and ensuring safety compliance.
• Follow up with unit safety champions to implement safety procedures, including HAZCOM trainings, cut gloves, slip-resistant shoes, wet floor signs, PPE, and more.
• Assist in conducting safety training, safety compliance reviews, and engage with unit safety champions on key safety topics.
• Support fire safety efforts and training with BET.
• Conduct periodic inspections of micro kitchens and MK storerooms, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
• Collaborate with building services to monitor and address pest activity.
• Ensure compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and other safety standards.
• Participate in monthly and quarterly safety calls with RA and regional QA calls with Google.
• Help monitor waste stream management in collaboration with building services.

Other Focus Areas:

• Assist chefs and managers with corrective action plans for food safety and sanitation improvements.
• Foster open communication with building services and facilities teams, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
• Maintain communication with key stakeholders, including Regional Executive Chef, Executive Chef, Unit Chefs, BOH & FOH Managers, Directors, HR, and VP.

• College degree or equivalent work experience.
• 5-10 years of kitchen experience or 3-5 years of field experience as an inspector.
• Ability to work independently and produce positive results.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and address potential issues.
• Effective communicator with a talent for teaching and training individuals and small groups on safety and sanitation topics.
• Strong commitment to maintaining a safe and clean work environment.
• Knowledge of local and state health codes, including HACCP.
• ServSafe certified and possess a valid DOH Food Protection Certificate.