Quality Lead

About the role

We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider, serving a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National, and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. We are solutions-based, innovative, and passionate about pushing the boundaries of what’s best in a fast-moving industry.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in warehouse or production areas (e.g., hairnets/beard nets, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel toe boots, seatbelts while operating forklifts).
• Adhere to food quality and food safety as per quality standards and/or Safe Quality Food requirements.
• Perform all duties in the QA Technician job description as needed.
• Monitor and maintain microbiology program, in-process quality, lab testing and equipment, and water treatment system in accordance with production schedule requirements.
• Ensure accurate test results by maintaining proper operation, cleanliness, and calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness at all times within Good Laboratory Practice.
• Conduct routine checks on production line and act as initial Quality point of contact.
• Test products on hold and determine disposition.
• Assist seam evaluations with OEM vendors as needed.
• Prepare and send product samples as required.
• Send water samples to 3rd party laboratory quarterly and annually.
• Conduct or carry out training to maintain and optimize performance or increase cross-functionality between departments.
• Conduct verification inspections of employee tasks or reports to ensure product quality.
• Execute job according to QA standards and testing requirements to maximize process and minimize non-conformance.
• Assign work delegation as directed by Management.
• Accurately complete all associated documents as per QA SOP Manual.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3–4 years of experience in Quality within a manufacturing environment, preferably in the food/beverage industry.
• Laboratory experience required.
• Knowledge of quality systems (GMP, HACCP, SQF) – certification ideal.
• In plants co-packaging alcoholic beverages, must be at least 21 years old for sensory tasting.

Skills

• Proficient in Excel, Word, SAP, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems; results-oriented.
• Exposure to using measurement tools and equipment (e.g., HPLC, Densitometer, pH, etc.) preferred.
• High level of precision and accuracy in inspection and testing processes.
• Familiarity with GFSI, GMP, and other relevant standards and regulations preferred.
• Understanding of Food Safety/Quality Requirements.
• Able to read and understand the metric system.
• Prior inspection experience in a laboratory setting.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable to change.

Competencies

• Technical: Skilled in maintaining accurate and detailed records of inspections and tests.
• Integrity: Commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in all quality assurance activities.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing production environments and requirements.
• Communication: Clear and concise communication with production staff and management.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to troubleshoot machinery and production issues efficiently, collaborate with others to resolve complex issues, and adapt to changing circumstances.

Working Conditions

Operating in a fast-paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection, and temperatures can vary (laboratory is temperature controlled). The environment is structured and supervised.

• Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoons, evenings, and overnights may be required. Overtime scheduled as needed.
• Travel Requirements: Rarely anticipated.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit: Frequently
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl: Occasionally
• Lifting 50 lbs. (minimum 5 lbs. up to 50 lbs.): Occasionally
• Carry weight, lift: Occasionally
• Walking: Frequently
• Driving: Rarely
• Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance: Rarely
• Visual/Sensory: Attention to detail requiring focus with one or two senses at a time.
• Mental Stress: Pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy, or similar demands.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Benefits
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• 12 Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Paid Time Off
• Well-being Benefits
• Discount and Total Reward Programs