Lead, Quality Assurance Tech

Position Summary

The QA Tech Lead reports to the QA Supervisor (primary) and QA Manager (secondary) and dotted line Sanitation Supervisor and is based out of our Hendersonville, NC location. This individual will be responsible for ensuring the quality of products by reviewing production paperwork and testing incoming concentrates to ensure they meet company specifications.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES (essential Functions Of The Job)

• Main trainer for QA technician functions.
• Fills in as a reliver for QA tech, Microbiologists, Document Controller, and QA and Sanitation Supervisor as needed.
• Performs calibration on all lab equipment.
• Supports and maintains products retain samples and sensory standards online as well as in the lab.
• Performs analytical testing on incoming concentrates/tankers to ensure they meet specifications.
• Conducts root cause analysis and product hold investigations, completes reporting and closes out.
• Maintains product specifications in database.
• Maintains and evaluates expired ingredient program.
• Pre-weighs colors for batching.
• Aids in swabbing to support plant sanitation requirements.
• Interfaces and effectively works cross-functionally with other (Maintenance, Production, Warehouse).
• Serves as a back-up for the QA Manager or QC Inspectors as needed.
• Ensures out of specification product is held, evaluated, and disposition obtained.
• Communicates with internally including corporate regarding quality, product safety, ingredient, and formulation issues as needed.

Education And Experience

• Minimum Required Qualifications: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A Minimum of 3-4 years of quality assurance experience in food manufacturing.
• Trained or certifiable in: SQF, HACCP, or PCQI, QA, QC, FS, Allergen, Food Defense.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the food/beverage industry.
• HACCP Certified.
• Experience in report/procedure writing.

Competencies

• To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position:
• Problem solving – the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Planning/organizing – the individual prioritizes and plans work activities and uses time efficiently.
• Quality Control – the individual demonstrates a high degree of accuracy and thoroughness, very detailed oriented, monitors own work to ensure quality, and uses feedback to improve performance.
• Quantity – meets productivity standards and completes work in a timely manner.
• Adaptability – the individual adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands, and can deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Dependability – the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction, and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Safety and security – the individual observes safety and security procedures and uses equipment and materials properly.