Quality Assurance Lead

Core Responsibilities

• Lead operations technicians to ensure that batches are tested as prescribed in the formulas using proper techniques/SOPs and leveraging best practices to achieve compliance to specifications.
• Assist with all QA requirements for all processing lines including line checks, chemical/physical testing verifications and any other analysis as required by customers.
• Lead the Food Safety (HACCP) Program, all associated Pre-requisite Programs and ensure compliance to Customer, Federal, State and Local laws and guidelines affecting Food Safety and Quality.
• Support Food Safety Plans by ensuring that CCP and process control records are verified daily.
• Execute all finished product testing as prescribed for microbiological and analytical analysis.
• Execute sanitation verification and environmental monitoring swabbing. Conduct investigations and corrective actions where appropriate.
• Verify all performance metrics and SOPs are met or exceeded, with a focus on customer expectations.
• Review and investigate Quality deviations to identify root cause and preventative actions.
• Conduct internal audits to include GMPs and Food Safety.
• Review all Quality and food safety checks, verify for accuracy and completeness within 72 hours of checks being completed or documented. Follow up accordingly with personnel or escalation.
• Ensure all laboratory equipment and supporting operations measuring devices are calibrated, verified as scheduled and functioning as designed. Troubleshoot and or escalate to vendors for effective repair or replacement.
• Continuously improve processes with regards to defect reduction and the support in management of customer complaint investigations and record review.
• Primary owner of root cause analysis and problem solving for all QA/FS related incidents.
• Lead other tasks as prescribed by VP/Director of Quality Assurance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A proven track record of organizational, planning and overall time management skills in addition to exceptional verbal and written communication.
• Knowledge of working with USDA preferred.
• Exceptional and proven problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Required Qualifications

• A BS degree from an accredited university is preferred. Experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• A minimum of 3 years of successful experience in the food manufacturing industry
• A comprehensive understanding of the core competencies of manufacturing capabilities and propriety product development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Detail oriented with the ability to maintain accurate and legible documentation.