Product Inspector

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®, Fairway Markets®, Gourmet Garage®, DiBruno Bros®, and Morton Williams® 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 YouSummaryThe Perishable Product Inspector plays a critical role in safeguarding product quality and food safety across the distribution network. This position is responsible for executing comprehensive inbound and outbound inspections of perishable products to ensure full compliance with quality standards, regulatory requirements, temperature controls, and labeling and packaging expectations. By maintaining the integrity of the cold chain and supporting retail readiness initiatives, this role ensures that all products meet Wakefern’s specifications as well as USDA, FDA, HACCP, and SQF standards. Additional essential functions are outlined below. Hours and shifts vary based on business needs. Candidates should be available to work early morning, daytime, and evening shifts. Scheduled shifts may start as early as 12:00 AM and end as late as 8:00 PM.Essential Functions The essential job functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:Inbound Product InspectionConduct advanced inspections of inbound perishable products using enhanced evaluation methods to verify compliance with detailed product specifications, USDA grade standards, and internal QA benchmarks.Inspect transportation equipment for cleanliness, sanitation, and evidence of cross-contamination prior to unloadingMonitor and document product temperatures using calibrated thermometers and time/temperature monitoring devicesPerform organoleptic evaluations (appearance, odor, texture) to assess product quality and wholesomenessValidate labeling, packaging integrity, traceability data, and regulatory labeling elements to ensure retail and food safety compliance.Examine all packaging for proper labeling and enforce all packaging and labeling requirements of the FDA, USDA, and USDC.Outbound Product InspectionConduct daily outbound inspections of in-stock perishable products prior to shipmentVerify product condition, packaging integrity, labeling accuracy, and temperature compliance during staging and loadingIdentify non-conforming product and initiate appropriate disposition and corrective actions in accordance with established Quality Assurance proceduresRetail Readiness & Scan VerificationPerform daily product scans to confirm items will successfully scan at retail locationsDocument and escalate Not on File items, ensuring proactive corrections and accurate execution.Communicate scan issues to appropriate internal stakeholders to ensure timely resolution prior to retail deliveryCold Chain & Temperature MonitoringConduct Cold Chain studies on outbound product in accordance with the Wakefern Temperature Monitoring ProgramVerify adherence to Wakefern’s temperature monitoring program and regulatory temperature control requirements.Review, analyze, and report temperature data to identify risks, trends, and opportunities for improvementQuality Systems and DocumentationUtilize the Greenlight Quality Control System to accurately record Inbound Inspection and Not on File resultsUtilize Benchmark Gensuite to access Wakefern Product Specifications, USDA Grading Standards, and Inspection InstructionsUtilize the QUADS Quality Inspection Service to record detailed product evaluation data on Beef, Chicken, and Pork productsUtilize the Sensiwatch and OpSense Portals to record and monitor cold chain data on Inbound and Outbound loads, and Warehouse internal temperatures.Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready records in support of HACCP, Preventive Controls for Human Foods, SFTA, SQF, FDA, and USDA Programs.Cross-Functional SupportPartner with Warehouse Operations, Transportation, Inventory Control, and Food Safety teams to resolve issues involving quality, temperature deviations, and system discrepancies.Support internal and third‑party audits, participate in investigations, and contribute to quality‑focused continuous improvement initiatives.Provide technical guidance to internal partners and vendors to reinforce quality and food safety expectations.QualificationsTo be considered a candidate, an Associate must meet the minimum requirements of the job posting:Four year College degree, or presently enrolled with a minimum of 60 credits, or equivalent work related experience.Demonstrated knowledge of USDA AMS Grade Standards, inspection methodologies, and perishable product evaluation across multiple commodity groups.Strong understanding of FDA Preventive Controls for Human Food, FSMA requirements, and foundational regulatory compliance principles.Working knowledge of HACCP systems, SQF Code, cold chain management, and food safety auditing practices.Strong attention to detail and sounds judgementProven ability to apply sound judgment and make informed quality decisions in a fast-paced, highly time-sensitive operational environment.Proficiency in maintaining documentation, records, and reports.Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional partners including Warehouse Operations, Transportation, Procurement, and Vendor Representatives.Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact confidently with senior leadership, regulatory partners, inspectors, and external suppliers.Skilled in WMS, Rapid, iOS, and Microsoft 365 applications.Flexibility with regards to work schedule including days of the week, shifts, Holidays, and locations. Hours and shifts vary based on business needs. Candidates should be available to work early morning, daytime, and evening shifts. Scheduled shifts may start as early as 12:00 AM and end as late as 8:00 PM.Working Conditions & Physical Demands Ability to perform heavy lifting (up to 70 lbs.).Ability to walk the length of the warehouse multiple times throughout the day (back and forth from the docks).Physical demands include the ability to bend, stretch, extend, tug and pull based on inspection of various productsAbility to work in cold temperatures as low as 33 degrees.Core Competencies Communicate Effectively: Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well-organized manner, encouraging two way communication.Build Relationships: Creates cross functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships.Stay Competitive: Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work.Embrace Change: Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology.Develop You: Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth.Drive for Results: Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals.Compensation and BenefitsThe salary for this position is $62,600 per year. Placement in the salary 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 & annual company contribution, 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.