Product Inspector, Meat and Seafood

About Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, and Gourmet Garage® banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.

About You

Summary

The Product Inspector ensures the safety, quality, and proper presentation of all products in the Meat and Seafood divisions. A key aspect of this role involves conducting regular "cutting tests" to assess product quality, yield, and adherence to company specifications and regulatory standards. The inspector is responsible for monitoring food safety practices, verifying labeling accuracy, and maintaining detailed cutting test and inspection records.

Core Functions

The core functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conduct regular, hands-on cutting tests on various meat products to evaluate specification compliance and quality attributes such as color, texture, trim, and fat content.
• Utilize the results of cutting tests to verify product yield, ensure efficient use of materials, and confirm that portioning meets profitability and presentation standards.
• Inspect incoming raw materials and finished products for signs of spoilage, contamination, or defects.
• Conduct daily pre-operational inspections of the meat warehouse inventory to ensure adherence to proper rotation, storage and temperature control.
• Verify that all meat products, processes, and labeling comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including those from the USDA and FDA.
• Accurately record and document all inspection findings, test results, and any deviations or non-compliance issues. Prepare reports for management and regulatory agencies.
• Identify violations and issues, tag non-compliant products or equipment, and collaborate with department staff and management to implement corrective actions, including product claims against vendor community.
• Perform studies to monitor product freshness, aging, and preservation to ensure optimal quality product.
• Inspection of Meat and Seafood products at all warehouses to ensure compliance with product and quality specifications.

Qualifications and Skills

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Microbiology, or a related field is often preferred.
• 5+ year’s previous meat cutting experience in a retail store or meat processing facility. Understanding of meat cutting tests and the ability to generate yield test results.
• Knowledge of fresh and frozen Seafood products, preferred.
• Quality control role within the food industry is beneficial.
• Strong understanding of meat product quality standards, food safety regulations (HACCP, GMPs), and relevant industry tools and equipment.
• Flexibility with regards to work schedule including days of the week, shifts, holidays and locations.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Availability to work a varied, flexible schedule to meet business demands.
• Able to occasionally travel and be available after hours in response business needs.
• Ability to perform heavy lifting (up to 90 pounds).
• Ability to work in varied temperatures.
• Physical demands include the ability to bend, stretch, extend, tug and pull based on inspection of various products.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $105,000 annually. Placement in the range depends on several factors, including experience, skills, education, geography, and budget considerations.

Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment. Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements.

About The Work

This job description is intended to set forth the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of the work performed by associates for this position.It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates to do this job. Associates may be assigned additional responsibilities as necessary. The Company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require associates to perform other tasks such as circumstances or conditions of its business, competitive considerations or the work environment changes.This document describes the position currently available and is not an employment contract.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. If requested, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The position covered by this Job Description is expressly declared to be “at will,” meaning Wakefern has the right to terminate the incumbent’s employment at any time, with or without cause. Any written or oral promises or representations to the contrary are expressly disavowed and should not be relied upon by any associate. Any change to this “at will” employment status must be in writing and signed by the Vice President of Human Resource.