Remote Food Safety Consultant - Contract US Role — Columbus
Traveler-Friendly Insight
This role is structured as an independent contractor position — which is fundamentally different from a standard remote job. You must already operate as a registered consulting business (sole proprietor or incorporated entity), carry your own professional liability insurance, and supply your own equipment. This is a genuine freelance arrangement, not a W-2 remote job.
Location flexibility is limited: You must reside in the U.S. and be legally authorized to work there — California residents are explicitly excluded. This rules out traditional digital nomad scenarios abroad. The role also requires client site travel for audits, training delivery, and events, meaning prolonged stays in one location are necessary during active engagements.
Schedule flexibility is a plus: Work hours are described as "as needed to fulfill contract requirements," suggesting project-based rhythms rather than fixed 9-to-5 hours. Between engagements, a U.S.-based contractor could theoretically work from anywhere domestically.
- At $100–$130/hr, a part-time engagement (e.g., 20 hrs/week) yields roughly $8,000–$10,400/month — comfortably covering costs in most U.S. cities or a high-quality domestic base.
- No coworking stipend, travel budget, or equipment allowance is provided — these are the contractor's own expenses.
- Nomads seeking international location flexibility should look elsewhere; this role is firmly U.S.-anchored with physical audit travel requirements.
Requisition #: 19074
Functional Area: Consulting
Employment Type: Independent Contractor
Work Options: Remote / Work from Home in the US
Work Hours: As needed to fulfill contract requirements
J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. is a North American organization providing innovative safety and regulatory compliance guidance and solutions to organizations across the U.S. and Canada. For over 70 years, organizations of all sizes have relied on J. J. Keller to help them create safe work environments for their employees and comply with ever-changing regulations.
As we look to expand our service offerings, we are seeking to add an Independent Contractor to our EHS Consulting practice who has subject matter expertise in Food Safety (e.g., FDA, GFSI, USDA, state agency) regulations. This opportunity is for an Independent Contractor only and does not constitute an employment relationship. Independent Contractors must reside in the U.S. and be legally authorized to perform services within the United States.
To be considered as an Independent Contractor, individuals must:
- Operate as an independent safety consulting business (e.g., sole proprietor, incorporated entity, or equivalent)
- Provide services to multiple clients and maintain a non-exclusive consulting practice
- Supply their own tools, methodologies, instructional materials, and business processes necessary to deliver services
- Be responsible for all taxes, insurance, and business-related expenses
- Provide their own computer, equipment, and tools necessary to perform services
- Maintain appropriate professional liability coverage, as required under the contractual agreement
Travel requirements vary based on client engagements, audit needs, and training delivery, and are defined by project or statement of work.
Type of Services Requested
- Provides consulting and expert advisory services and recommendations to internal and external clients on matters related to food safety, with an emphasis on compliance of plans, programs, policies, and procedures with regulatory requirements.
- Conducts on-site food safety audits and gap assessments, develops audit/assessment reports with comprehensive findings and recommendations, develops and reviews food safety and/or HACCP plans, and develops other relevant deliverables including policies, procedures, or guidance documents.
- Assists clients in implementing Federal and State level food safety requirements as related to client program areas.
- Provides expert technical assistance with the identification of known and/or potential food safety hazards.
- Reviews, analyzes, and suggests revisions of food safety/HACCP plans for compliance with current rules and regulations.
- Prepares and conducts food safety-related training courses addressing applicable regulatory compliance requirements and builds competency in essential food safety topics, such as Basic HACCP and core GMP practices, with flexibility to provide customized, client-specific training.
- Maintains a high level of regulatory expertise and awareness of market trends; monitors and assists with the interpretation or implementation of new or revised food safety policies or procedures and assists with compliance.
- Presents either live or virtually at JJK or client-sponsored events, trade shows, webcasts, or other client-facing events, including the development of presentations and materials.
- Suggests new products/services and revisions of existing products/services.
Qualifications
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), including either:
- Completion of FDA-recognized PCQI training (e.g., FSPCA curriculum), or
- Documented experience developing and implementing FSMA-compliant food safety plans.
- Qualified Individual (QI) based on 21 CFR Part 117
- Certifications related to food safety are expected and may be required for select industries/topics, including but not limited to:
- Certified Professional – Food Safety (CP-FS)
- Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP)
- Valid PCQI & HACCP certifications
- FSMA Train the Trainer certified
- Certified Food Manager (CFM)
Experience:
- 5+ years of experience overseeing food safety compliance with primary experience in processing, manufacturing, or distribution of food, beverages, and other goods meant for human consumption. Experience in the beverage bottling industry is a plus.
- Ability to navigate food safety regulations and policies with a strong, comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the food safety regulatory landscape.
- Ability to perform gap assessments and guide program development, implementation, and audit and inspection preparation.
- Expertise in conducting mock audits and mock recalls in food manufacturing or distribution settings.
- Ability to help businesses identify and mitigate potential food safety hazards, as well as review, 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.
Other Skills/Qualifications:
- Must be proficient in the use of a PC and MS Office Suite and be comfortable working through a Virtual Desktop setup.
- Excellent communication skills — verbal, written, and presentation.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with associates and client representatives at all levels.
- Ability to research, analyze, and interpret information from a variety of sources.
- Ability to plan projects and meet deadlines, working both independently and in a team environment.
- Ability to effectively utilize technology/tools to communicate/deliver training in multiple formats.
- Ability to assess audience engagement and understanding of material and to adjust content and presentation style as appropriate.
- Understanding of sales, marketing, and business finance concepts/applications.
Physical Requirements
Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment. Work involves operation of personal computer equipment for extended periods of time. Travel to customer sites and/or industry and training events is required.
We Protect People & The Businesses They Run™
Every associate at J. J. Keller makes a difference by creating safer, more respectful workplaces. Whether serving our customers directly with expertise in safety and regulatory compliance or supporting the business with specialized skills, together we contribute to better workplaces for people across North America.
J. J. Keller History: November 1, 2023, marked 70 years of business for J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. Click HERE to take a tour through three generations of this family-owned business – from our founding as a one-man consulting firm through decades of delivering on our purpose of protecting people and the businesses they run.
J. J. Keller Career Stories: Click HERE to hear from our associates about what they have to say about life as an associate at J. J. Keller.
J. J. Keller Earns 7th Great Place to Work Certification™: Click HERE to find out what makes J. J. Keller great.
J. J. Keller Certified as a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in America: Click HERE to find out why our associates LOVE working at J. J. Keller.
2023 Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation: Click HERE to learn more about this prestigious recognition.
The compensation range for this role is $100.00 to $130.00 per hour, which varies depending on factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's overall experience and geographic location. Note that J. J. Keller is not currently recruiting in California.
If you experience system-related issues or need assistance with the online application, please call (920) 720-7700.
Professional Referral Program: Not the right role for you, but know someone who could be a great fit? Click HERE to refer them to us through our Professional Referral Program and you will earn a cash payment if your referral is hired.
J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Frequently Asked Questions
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