Technical Services Specialist

Are you known for exceeding expectations? Do you embrace the Spirit of Hawai‘i? Then please keep reading because we’re looking for people like you at Hawaiian Host Group.

Who are we? Hawaiian Host Group (HHG) is a leading Hawai‘i-based consumer goods company with a portfolio of brands that includes Hawaiian Host, Mauna Loa, MacFarms, KOHO, and Kapua Orchards. Sold in over 23 countries, HHG produces a suite of products ranging from flavored macadamia nuts to artisan chocolates. Our dedicated team of Hosts of Hawai‘i is spread across our headquarters in Honolulu and offices in Hilo, Kona, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. HHG has 3 manufacturing plants in Hawai'i, as well as the state's largest single macadamia farm.   

We are an excited team of people that all have one vision in common: sharing the Spirit of Hawai‘i with the world. Expect camaraderie, product tastings, and other (virtual and in-person) events that make our culture unique. And more importantly, know that your work contributes to our purpose; to make the Islands’ future flourish. We do this through our Takitani foundation that grants scholarships to deserving local students, our solar farm on the Big Island, and other social & environmental initiatives.

That’s enough about us for now, we’d love to learn more about you. Read the job description below and let us know if you’re interested. We can’t wait to meet you!

POSITION SUMMARY:    

Reporting to the Senior Director of Manufacturing & Engineering, this role provides cross-functional technical support across the supply chain, on-site manufacturing, and co-manufacturers. Key responsibilities include introducing new formulations, sourcing and approving new ingredients and suppliers, overseeing production scale-up activities, and developing essential production records such as bills of materials (BOMs). Additionally, this role plays a critical part in driving process control enhancements and continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Executes technical services functions efficiently and in compliance with company SOPs, including Product Design, Innovation and Development, Specifications, Supplier Approval Program, and Management of Outsourced Processing. 
• Ensures compliance with authenticity claims by compiling and submitting necessary documentation to certifying bodies, including but not limited to Kosher, Non-GMO Project Verification, Keto-Friendly, Paleo-Friendly, and Cocoa Horizon. 
• Maintains deep expertise in food manufacturing and consumer packaged goods, staying up to date on industry developments, legal requirements, and best practices by reviewing technical documentation, industry standards, and research reports. 
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive technical database for Regulatory, Food Safety, Quality, and Process Control documentation. 
• Assists Quality Assurance (QA) Management in monitoring, evaluating, and analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) for food safety and quality, implementing corrective actions to drive continuous improvement. 
• Collaborates with Procurement to collect and submit ingredient and supplier approval documents for QA review, sources secondary suppliers for critical ingredients, and prepares Bills of Materials (BOMs) for formulas and finished packaging. 
• Works alongside QA and Regulatory teams to initiate product testing, develop finished product specifications, and determineshelf-life. Supports internal Sensory Evaluations and Shelf-Life Studies for new, revised, or existing products. 
• Troubleshoots ingredient and processing issues, consulting with industry experts as needed and implementing corrective actions. 
• Assists in co-manufacturer management by collecting and submitting approval documentation for QA review, preparing BOMs, and ensuring food safety and quality expectations are clearly communicated. 
• Provides technical support for suppliers and customers, addressing inquiries and ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards. 
• Maintains and ensures adherence to relevant elements of the BRCGS Food Safety Standard. 
• Supports customer complaint investigations, Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), and Corrective Action Reports (CARs). 
• Assists and, when necessary, performs the duties of the Regulatory Specialist, including creating, reviewing, updating, and approving food product labels. Ensures accuracy and compliance with FDA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21 Part 101 – Food Labeling, FSMA regulations, state and local requirements, and company policies. 
• Performs all duties and maintains all standards in accordance with Company policies and procedures. 
• Fulfill any additional duties or projects as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to meeting organizational needs. 
• Regular attendance is required for the position. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Biology/Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field; or equivalent experience in Food Safety & Quality Assurance.  
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in food-related roles, such as R&D, Regulatory Affairs, and/or Quality Assurance. 
• Must provide Tuberculosis (TB) certificate from a valid medical provider as required by the State of Hawaii, Department of Health. 
• Working knowledge of FDA and USDA food labeling regulations and documentation requirements, FDA CFR Title 21 Part 101 – Food Labeling.  
• Understanding of food product development, food safety, and allergens, FDA Title 21 Part 117 – FSMA. 
• Strong technical writing skills and sound math aptitude. 
• Superior proofreading, organizational, time management skills. 
• High level of analytical ability to resolve complex problems.  
• Ability to communicate and collaborate efficiently with all levels of the organization. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, quick problem solving, and project management. 
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision. 
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy in documentation and reporting. 
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to sit, use vision and hearing; frequently required to stand and walk; occasionally required to pull less than 25 pounds, lift less than 25 pounds, carry less than 25 pounds, stair climbing, bend; kneel; crouch; forward reach; overhead reach; grasp; handle; use finger dexterity, and eye-hand-foot coordination; seldom required to push, lift 25-50 pounds, carry 25-50 pounds, squat, stoop, and twist. 

• The position requires talking to co-workers; written communication to co-workers; talking on the telephone; responding to written or verbal requests of co-workers; reading; talking to customers; talking to outside trade persons/vendors; written communication to outside trade persons/vendors; responding to written or verbal requests of vendors; training/giving verbal instructions; receiving verbal instructions; writing/composing written language; visiting/working at different worksites; written communication to customers; supervising others; receiving written instructions. 

• Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  
• 1) While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to weather conditions.  
• 2) The noise level in the work environment is usually light. 

Hawaiian Host Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.