Quality Assistant (Fort Lauderdale)

Minerva Foods is a leading exporter of beef in South America and also operates in the processed foods segment, supplying its products to more than 100 countries worldwide. In addition to Brazil, Minerva Foods has operations in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia, as well as specialized lamb facilities in Australia and Chile.

With 46 industrial units, we provide healthy and nutritious products to customers around the globe through our 23 distribution centers and 18 international offices.

At Minerva Foods, we believe that professional growth goes hand in hand with the development of the company. With internal opportunities, we encourage our talents to expand their horizons, take on new challenges, and continuously develop within the company.

The Quality Assistant plays a key supporting role in the Quality Assurance and Regulatory function for imported food products entering the United States. This position is responsible for assisting with day‑to‑day quality operations, documentation control, and administrative tasks that support compliance with U.S. food safety and regulatory requirements, including USDA and FSMA regulations.

Working primarily in an import or corporate office environment, the Quality Assistant supports the review, organization, and maintenance of supplier and product quality records required for food imports. The role serves as an important liaison between suppliers, internal departments (such as logistics, purchasing, and customer service), and the Quality team, helping to ensure quality information is accurate, complete, and readily available.

A significant component of this role involves the initial handling and administration of quality claims and customer complaints. The Quality Assistant is responsible for receiving claims, ensuring proper documentation, collecting preliminary information, and tracking claim status through resolution under the direction of the Quality Analyst or Quality Manager. While this role does not conduct independent investigations or final claim determinations, it is essential to ensuring claims are logged, documented, and managed efficiently in accordance with company procedures and regulatory expectations.

The Quality Assistant must demonstrate strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a regulated environment. This role is well‑suited for an early‑career professional seeking exposure to food safety, regulatory compliance, supplier quality management, and imported food operations in the U.S. market.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in collecting, reviewing, and filing quality and regulatory documentation for imported food products
• Support maintenance of supplier files, including:
• Food Safety Documents and Statements
• GFSI certifications (SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000, etc.)
• Product specifications
• Enter and maintain data in quality databases, spreadsheets, or ERP systems
• Support preparation for USDA inspections, customer audits, and internal audits
• Assist with product complaint intake, documentation, and follow‑up
• Communicate with suppliers regarding missing or updated quality documentation
• Support internal teams (logistics, purchasing, sales) with quality‑related requests
• Perform basic review of labels and product information under supervision
• Maintain organized records in accordance with company and regulatory requirements
• Receive and log quality claims and customer complaints related to imported food products
• Ensure complaints are documented accurately and routed to the appropriate Quality Analyst or Manager for investigation
• Communicate with internal teams (sales, logistics, customer service) to gather preliminary information related to claims
• Track claim status, corrective actions, and close‑out documentation under supervision

Qualifications

Knowledge:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree (or in progress) in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field preferred.

Experience:

• 0–2 years of experience in quality assurance, regulatory, or food industry support roles (preferred).
• Demonstrate basic understanding of food safety and food quality principles (preferred).
• Familiarity with USDA regulations and FSMA is a plus (preferred).
• Experience in customer service.

Skills:

• Fluent English (Spanish, Portuguese strong plus).
• High‑energy, proactive attitude with a strong desire to learn and grow in the food safety and quality field
• Demonstrates curiosity and a willingness to ask questions to understand processes, regulations, and quality requirements
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast‑paced import and regulatory environment with changing priorities
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in documentation and recordkeeping
• Organized and reliable, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for interacting with internal teams and suppliers
• Team‑oriented mindset with a willingness to support others and take on new responsibilities
• Ability to follow established procedures while remaining open to process improvements
• Basic analytical skills to identify missing information or inconsistencies in quality records
• Comfortable working with databases, spreadsheets, and document management systems

• Vacation Days
• PTO
• 401K
• Health, Dental, and Vision
• and more...

A leader in beef exports in South America, Minerva Foods is more than a global company – we are a community of professionals driven by the purpose of creating connections between people, food, and nature.

We operate in over 100 countries and have facilities in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia, as well as specialized sheep processing plants in Australia and Chile.

With solid management and innovative strategies, we are constantly seeking the most promising markets, modernizing our operations, and delivering high-quality products. Our integrated logistics and geographic diversification ensure solutions that meet the most demanding global standards.

At Minerva Foods, sustainability is not just a commitment – it’s part of our DNA. We adopt responsible practices that promote environmental preservation, animal welfare, and transparency throughout the entire production chain. Through robust traceability initiatives, we help build a more sustainable and transparent future.

Our global impact is supported by 46 industrial units, 23 distribution centers, and 17 international offices. These pillars enable us to deliver healthy, nutritious products to customers around the world.

If you share values such as Results-Orientation, Commitment, Sustainability, Innovation, and Recognition, come be part of our team.

Here, you'll find an environment that encourages excellence, fosters growth, and creates a positive impact for future generations.