When companies start their BRC journey, there’s usually a lot of enthusiasm at the beginning — and then somewhere around week four, things get messy. Roles overlap. Deadlines slip. Documentation grows faster than the team can keep track of it.
I’ve seen this pattern more times than I can count. And every time, the turning point is the same: a structured project plan. Not a checklist. Not a binder of policies. A real plan — with owners, deadlines, milestones, and evidence requirements.
If you’re reading this because you want structure, predictability, and a way to confidently reach certification, you’re in the right place. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a practical framework you can use to map out your BRC V9 implementation from day one through audit day.
Define Scope and Project Objectives
Before writing a single procedure or scheduling a training session, take a moment to define what you’re actually working toward. It sounds basic, but unclear scope is one of the biggest reasons BRC projects drift or become overwhelming.
What to Clarify:
Which products and processes are included?
Are storage, distribution, or outsourced activities part of the scope?
Are there any legitimate exclusions? If yes — can you justify them?
Here’s what I’ve noticed: teams that rush this step often end up rewriting documentation later because they built processes around assumptions instead of facts.
Pro Tip: Align your scope wording with customer expectations. Retail compliance requirements often dictate scope more than internal preference.
Common Mistake: Using generic language like “all food production.” Be specific — auditors appreciate clarity.
Build the Project Team and Assign Roles
BRC certification isn’t a “QA-only” job, even though many organizations initially treat it that way. Operations, purchasing, maintenance, HR, and sanitation all play a role.
Build your team intentionally:
Project Lead
Deputy Lead (in case of absence)
HACCP Team Lead
Operational Leads
Maintenance / Engineering Lead
Procurement / Supplier Approval Lead
A food-processing client once told me, “We didn’t get traction until maintenance understood they were responsible for validation evidence.” That shift accelerated everything.
Pro Tip: Write down role expectations — don’t rely on verbal agreements.
Create a Requirement-by-Requirement Action Matrix
This becomes the core of the BRC project plan — your single source of truth.
Break it down using BRC V9 structure:
| Requirement | Current Status | Action Needed | Owner | Due Date | Evidence Required |
This keeps everyone aligned and eliminates vague progress updates like “we’re working on it.”
Common Mistake: Listing actions without confirming how compliance will be proven. BRC doesn’t certify intentions — it certifies evidence.
Build a Timeline with Milestones
Once your matrix exists, convert it into a realistic schedule.
A simple phase structure works well:
Scope & Planning
Document Creation and Updates
Operational Implementation
Internal Audits & Corrections
Readiness Review
Certification Scheduling
Most facilities underestimate the time needed for implementation testing, record gathering, and training — those aren’t “extra tasks,” they are part of the requirement.
Pro Tip: Add 15–25% buffer time. Something always takes longer than expected.
Document Control and System Integration
This is where order replaces chaos.
Decide early:
What format will documents follow?
Who approves and releases controlled documents?
How are old versions archived?
Where will forms and records live — digital, paper, or hybrid?
A manufacturer I supported once waited until month six to standardize forms. They ended up fixing 60+ records. Doing this early saves headaches later.
Pro Tip: Avoid over-engineered control systems. Simple and consistent wins every time.
Training and Competency Plan
Training isn’t just about telling people what the standard says. It’s about ensuring they can apply it.
Plan training by job role:
HACCP and food safety
GMP expectations
Allergen handling
Cleaning and sanitation
Engineering and maintenance controls
Traceability and recall processes
And here’s something important: auditors don’t just check signatures — they talk to people.
Common Mistake: Thinking “signed attendance sheets” equal competency. They don’t.
Pro Tip: Include short knowledge checks or practical demonstrations to verify understanding.
Pre-Audit Activities and Readiness Check
Before you book your certification audit, test your system.
This includes:
Internal audit aligned with BRC clause numbering
Mock traceability and recall exercise
Walkthrough using audit-style questioning
Documentation and record spot checks
Review of open corrective actions
One site I worked with reduced their non-conformities by half just by running two mock interviews with supervisors before the real audit.
Pro Tip: Review both process and evidence — they must match.
FAQs
How long does a typical BRC project take? Anywhere from 3 to 12 months depending on system maturity, staffing, and scope.
Who should own the project plan? Ideally QA or the HACCP team leader, but the responsibility should be shared across departments.
Can we adapt project plans from ISO or FSSC systems? Yes — but make sure terminology, evidence expectations, and risk-based requirements match BRC structure.
Conclusion: Start Strong and the Rest Becomes Predictable
A solid project plan doesn’t just organize tasks — it gives your team confidence and direction. It keeps the work structured, reduces uncertainty, and ensures no requirement gets overlooked.
After supporting multiple plants through BRC certification, I can say with confidence: the planning phase is where certification is either won or lost.
If you’re ready to take the next step, you can download the editable BRC V9 Project-Plan Template — or if you’d rather not build it alone, I can walk you through implementation step by step.
Either way, now you have a roadmap. And that’s the first real milestone.
Melissa Lavaro is a seasoned ISO consultant and an enthusiastic advocate for quality management standards. With a rich experience in conducting audits and providing consultancy services, Melissa specializes in helping organizations implement and adapt to ISO standards. Her passion for quality management is evident in her hands-on approach and deep understanding of the regulatory frameworks. Melissa’s expertise and energetic commitment make her a sought-after consultant, dedicated to elevating organizational compliance and performance through practical, insightful guidance.
