Independent Contractor – Food Safety Consultant

About This Opportunity

We are representing a confidential regulatory compliance and safety organization seeking an Independent Contractor - Food Safety Consultant to join their EHS consulting practice. This is a remote, contract-based opportunity for experienced food safety professionals operating their own independent consulting businesses across the United States.

This role is ideal for established consultants with deep expertise in FDA, GFSI, USDA, and state-level food safety regulations who are looking to expand their client portfolio while maintaining the flexibility of independent practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advisory services on food safety compliance matters, with emphasis on regulations, plans, programs, policies, and procedures
• Conduct on-site food safety audits and gap assessments; develop comprehensive audit reports with findings and actionable recommendations
• Develop and review food safety plans and HACCP plans for compliance with current regulatory requirements
• Create policies, procedures, and guidance documents related to food safety program implementation
• Assist clients in implementing Federal and State level food safety requirements across various program areas
• Identify known and potential food safety hazards and provide technical assistance for hazard mitigation
• Prepare and deliver food safety training courses, including Basic HACCP, GMP practices, and customized client-specific programs
• Present at industry events, trade shows, webcasts, and client-facing forums (live and virtual)
• Monitor regulatory changes and market trends; assist with interpretation and implementation of new or revised food safety policies
• Recommend new service offerings and enhancements to existing consulting deliverables

What We're Looking For

Business Structure:

• Must operate as an independent safety consulting business (sole proprietor, incorporated entity, or equivalent)
• Maintain a non-exclusive consulting practice serving multiple clients
• Provide your own tools, methodologies, instructional materials, and business processes
• Maintain appropriate professional liability coverage
• Supply your own computer, equipment, and tools necessary to perform services
• Be responsible for all taxes, insurance, and business-related expenses
• Must reside in and be legally authorized to perform services within the United States

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Food Safety & Quality Assurance, Food Engineering, or related science discipline
• Demonstrated qualification as a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) through FDA-recognized training or documented FSMA-compliant food safety plan experience
• Qualified Individual (QI) status based on 21 CFR Part 117
• Food safety certifications expected and may be required for select industries, such as: CP-FS, CFPP, valid PCQI & HACCP certifications, FSMA Train the Trainer, or CFM

Experience:

• 5+ years overseeing food safety compliance with primary experience in processing, manufacturing, or distribution of food, beverages, and goods for human consumption (beverage bottling industry experience a plus)
• Strong comprehensive knowledge of the food safety regulatory landscape and ability to navigate complex regulations
• Proven ability to perform gap assessments and guide program development, implementation, and audit/inspection preparation
• Expertise conducting mock audits and mock recalls in food manufacturing or distribution settings
• Track record helping businesses identify and mitigate food safety hazards, develop and implement food safety programs, and prepare for audits and inspections
• Experience providing training and coaching to employees on food safety practices and procedures

Skills:

• Proficiency with PC, MS Office Suite, and virtual desktop environments
• Excellent communication skills across verbal, written, and presentation formats
• Ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels
• Strong research, analysis, and interpretation capabilities across multiple information sources
• Project planning and deadline management skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to deliver training in multiple formats and adjust presentation style based on audience engagement
• Understanding of sales, marketing, and business finance concepts
• Willingness to travel to client sites and industry events as project needs require

How We Work With You

When you apply through Get A Job.ai, our talent team will review your background and consulting business structure to ensure alignment with this independent contractor opportunity. If there's a strong match, we'll conduct an initial screening conversation to discuss your expertise, certifications, and consulting practice.

We will then submit qualified candidates to our client for consideration. Once selected, you will enter into a contractual agreement defining the scope of services, deliverables, and engagement terms. Work is performed on an as-needed basis according to contract requirements and client project demands.

Important: Please apply only through Get A Job.ai. Do not contact the client organization directly, as all contractor relationships are managed through our recruiting process.

Pay

Contract rate information was not provided for this listing. Compensation will be negotiated based on your expertise, certifications, and the scope of services required.

Get A Job.ai is an equal opportunity recruiter. We welcome applications from all qualified professionals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.