Associate Consultants-FSSC 22000, BRCGSC (Food & Packaging)

Company Description

Smartedge Consulting, located in Hyderabad, is a premier multi-disciplinary ISO consulting company specializing in Management Systems Consulting services. We provide expert guidance on Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001), Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001), Occupational Health and Safety (ISO 45001), Food Safety (ISO 22000), Energy Management (ISO 50001), and more. Our solutions include services such as Initial Gap Analysis, Project Planning, Training, Documentation, Implementation, and Internal Auditing. With a focus on continuous improvement and compliance, we assist organizations in achieving their certification and operational excellence goals through detailed and customized processes.

Job Profile Associate Consultant FSSC 22000 & BRCGS (Food & Packaging)

1 Position Overview

The Associate Consultant FSSC 22000 & BRCGS is responsible for supporting and executing consulting assignments related to Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) and Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarked standards including:

• FSSC 22000 Food Safety System Certification
• BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety Food Manufacturing Standard
• BRCGS Global Standard for Packaging Materials Packaging Manufacturing Standard

The role involves client-facing implementation, documentation development, gap analysis, audit preparation, training delivery, and certification coordination for food and packaging sector clients.

2 Reporting Structure

• Reports To: Lead Consultant Food Safety / Practice Head
• Works With:
• Food Technologists
• QA/QC Teams
• Production & Operations Heads
• Certification Bodies
• Regulatory Authorities (as required)

3 Key Responsibilities

A. Consulting & Implementation

• Conduct Gap Assessments against FSSC 22000 & BRCGS requirements.
• Develop and implement:
• Food Safety Manual
• HACCP Plan
• PRPs / OPRPs
• Food Defense Plan
• Food Fraud Vulnerability Assessment
• Environmental Monitoring Program
• Develop documented procedures for:
• Allergen management
• Traceability & recall
• Supplier approval & monitoring
• Glass & brittle plastic control
• Cleaning & sanitation programs
• Support plant zoning & hygienic layout evaluation.

B. HACCP & Risk Management

• Facilitate Hazard Analysis sessions.
• Establish CCP & OPRP validation processes.
• Conduct risk assessments (microbiological, chemical, physical hazards).
• Support validation & verification activities.
• Develop product risk categorization models.

C. Audit & Certification Support

• Plan and conduct internal audits.
• Conduct mock audits as per BRCGS grading expectations.
• Identify non-conformities and improvement opportunities.
• Guide CAPA implementation.
• Coordinate certification audits (Stage 1 & 2 / Announced & Unannounced audits).
• Support audit readiness for export-focused units.

D. Training & Awareness

• Deliver:
• HACCP training
• GMP & GHP awareness sessions
• Allergen & contamination control training
• BRCGS clause interpretation workshops
• Conduct hygiene and food safety culture awareness sessions.
• Evaluate training effectiveness.

E. Compliance & Advisory

• Develop regulatory compliance registers (FSSAI, Export norms, etc.).
• Support supplier audit programs.
• Assist in recall simulation exercises.
• Strengthen food safety culture implementation.

4 Sector Exposure (Preferred)

• Food Processing Units
• Dairy & Beverages
• Ready-to-Eat / Ready-to-Cook Foods
• Spices & Agri-processing
• Packaging Manufacturers (Flexible, Rigid, Corrugated, Labels)
• Export-Oriented Units

5 Qualifications

Education:

• B.Tech / M.Tech Food Technology / Dairy Technology
• OR
• B.Sc / M.Sc Microbiology / Food Science
• OR
• Degree in Packaging Technology

Certifications (Preferred):

• HACCP Level 3 / Lead Auditor
• FSSC 22000 Internal Auditor
• BRCGS Internal Auditor
• PCQI (for export to US advantage)

6 Experience Level

• 26 years in food safety / QA / FSMS consulting
• Experience in food manufacturing or packaging industries preferred
• Exposure to export compliance is an added advantage

7 Technical Competencies

• Strong HACCP principles knowledge
• Understanding of PRPs (ISO 22002 series)
• Risk assessment methodology
• Environmental & hygiene control systems
• Root cause analysis
• CAPA methodology
• Traceability & recall systems
• Audit preparation & grading system understanding

8 Behavioral Competencies

• Strong plant-floor engagement skills
• Detail-oriented documentation
• Analytical & risk-focused thinking
• Confident audit coordination
• Ability to manage multiple clients

9 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Successful certification rate
• Audit grade improvement
• NC closure cycle time
• Projects delivered on schedule
• Client retention & repeat business
• Training sessions delivered

Career Progression Path

Associate Consultant Senior Consultant Food Safety Lead Consultant Practice Head Food & Packaging Safety Sector Vertical Head