Job Summary

Entry Level Quality Assurance Technician (Lead/Supervisor) oversees and manages the day to day activities of food safety and quality as they are implemented at the production level. This mid-level position is responsible for driving a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring quality systems are developed and maintained that meet facility and customer needs.  The individual would report to and work closely with the Director of Food Safety to manage and implement the facility's food safety and quality programs. The position provides support to both Q.A. Management and Technicians.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform duties of Q.A. Technicians
• Act as backup for absent Q.A. Technicians or fill in on vacation schedules
• Support and advise Q.A. Technicians on quality issues
• Review daily Q.A. and production paperwork for accuracy and completeness
• Prepare samples and send products for periodic testing as required
• Assist with internal and third party audits such as SQF.
• Assist in training Q.A. Technicians
• Develop and maintain quality manuals, quality forms, quality test equipment, and quality testing procedures
• Prepare weekly Quality reports for Q.A. Management
• Work with Shift Leaders, Operators, and Q.A. Technicians to provide immediate feedback on product quality results and adherence to quality standards
• Assist with placing non-conforming product on hold and determining the disposition with Q.A. Management
• Work with Food Safety Management team to develop a Food Safety Culture.
• Manage inventory and ordering of Quality Department supplies.
• Keep current with Food Safety and Quality trends.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Expected Areas of Competence

• Must possess skills and ability to be self-driven
• Must demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills, planning and organizational skills, leadership ability
• Must be capable of making quick informed decisions to resolve quality issues and avoid production delays
• Must be able to interpret test and inspection results and reach conclusions that assure requirements are met
• Must be able to use sampling techniques effectively
• Ability to use basic laboratory equipment (titration.ph meter, refractometer)
• Ability to communicate effectively (orally and written) across diverse functional areas
• Ability to work directly with consumers in a professional and timely manner
• Proficient with Excel, PowerPoint and Word
   

Personal Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to but not to exceed 50 lbs
• Must be able to sit/stand/bend/kneel throughout scheduled shift
• Must wear required PPE as required by company safety rules and guidelines
• Must be able to perform general office functions, operate a computer, and communicate effectively with internal and external constituencies

Education/Experience Requirements

• Minimum two years college training in Sciences or equivalent plus two years Quality Assurance experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Biology Degree 
• Previous manufacturing or food safety experience desired
• HACCP and/or SQF certification beneficial.

Future Development

• This is a growth position in this department. It is expected that a desire to to learn and advance their knowledge in the Food Safety field be a desire.