FSQ Team Lead 2nd shift

About the role

At Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago. We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. Our global house of brands includes Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s™ Organic Snacks, Golden Island®, BiFi®, Peperami®, and KOOEE!®. We are humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to move faster, innovate harder, and keep raising the bar in the meat snack industry.

Schedule

Monday through Thursday, 3:30pm to 2:00am

Pay

$27-$29 per hour ($24 - $26 Base PLUS $3.00 Shift Differential)

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of FSQ Auditors within a production area (Formulation, Stuffing, or Packaging).
• Guide FSQ Auditors in supporting the implementation of HACCP, SOP, SQF, and R&D, and perform plant-wide auditing functions.
• Ensure documentation is completed to meet product specifications, customer quality expectations, and USDA regulations.
• Identify, investigate, and address all quality issues.
• Monitor room temperatures, product temperatures, and product quality/consistency.
• Perform quality inspections on random product samples (e.g., thickness, weights, lengths, count, metal detector).
• Conduct pre-op inspections, including first piece checks at start of shift or new product changeover.
• Monitor food safety to ensure accurate product identification and recipe instructions are followed.
• Address questions regarding rejected product, damage on inbound cases, and mislabeled cases.
• Follow plant holds and releases; enter quality inspection data into electronic/written forms.
• Record deviations/issues into compliance tracker and inform lead/supervisor.
• Process inbound and outbound supplier corrective action requests.
• Perform weekly and daily audits; prepare necessary forms and trend charts.
• Implement corrective actions on deviations found during quality inspections, including product loss or adjustments.
• Review documentation for accuracy and completeness; perform HACCP sign-off if qualified.
• Review/close out hold tags daily; report missing hold tags to lead/supervisor.
• Verify equipment is in good condition and calibrated as needed.
• Maintain HACCP, SSOP, SQF, and prerequisite programs (accuracy, completeness, implementation).
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP training, company prerequisite programs, SOPs, and SSOPs.
• Observe team members to ensure compliance; coach as necessary.
• Act as a backup for daily operational checklists.
• Assist Quality Control Supervisor with serious or repeated quality problems to determine cause and prevent recurrence.
• Maintain SQF and HACCP books; keep documents up to date.
• Assist with Quality Control and Production audits.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Safety

• Perform all duties within OSHA and company safety standards, including LOTO and PPE usage.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area.
• Immediately report all accidents and deficiencies to lead/supervisor.
• Ensure safety devices are installed and working properly.
• Monitor work environment for food safety hazards (e.g., condensation).

Communication

• Communicate with coworkers and leaders effectively and timely.
• Keep foreman/supervisor informed of problems during the shift.
• Suggest improvements to continuously enhance quality support activities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1-2+ years of experience or training in a manufacturing or food environment.
• Knowledge and experience in quality systems and production (preferred).
• Prior knowledge of food processing equipment.
• Basic knowledge of supply chain, purchasing, materials, or manufacturing.
• HACCP certification preferred; must be completed within 6 months.
• Ability to calibrate delicate instruments and take accurate readings on fine gauges.
• College degree (preferred).

Skills

• Aptitude for math.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Superior accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proactive problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating/maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
• Ability to organize and prioritize in a multi-tasking environment.
• Ability to collaborate with remote employees and work as part of a team.
• Exceptional time management skills.
• Firm knowledge of quality assurance methods, product testing, regulatory compliance, and documentation procedures.
• Proficient in Internet navigation, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Effective leadership, problem-solving, presentation, and employee motivational skills.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger/handle/feel, lift/move up to 25 pounds, and talk/hear.
• Occasionally required to sit, reach with hands/arms, and lift/move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Plant/office setting with varying temperatures and noise levels.
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet/slippery floors.
• Travel may be required.