Quality Lead

Essential Job Functions

• Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in the warehouse or production areas (including but not limited to hairnets/beard nets, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel toe boots and seatbelts while operating forklifts).
• Responsible to 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, water treatment system in accordance with the requirements of the production schedule.
• 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 as needed 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 as required to maintain and optimize performance or increase cross-function ability between departments.
• Conduct verification inspections of employee tasks or reports as needed to ensure product quality.
• Execute job according to QA standards and testing requirements in order to maximize process and minimize non-conformance.
• Assign work delegation as directed by Management.
• Must accurately complete all associated documents as per QA SOP Manual.

Required Skills

• Proficient in Excel, Word, SAP and Power Point.
• 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 metric system.
• Prior inspection experience in a laboratory setting.
• Organized and detail oriented, 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, collaborating with others to resolve complex issues, adaptability to changing circumstances and willingness to implement new procedures.

Education and Experience

• 3 - 4 years of experience in Quality within a manufacturing environment, preferable food/beverage industry.
• Laboratory experience required.
• In plants co-packaging alcoholic beverages, sensory tasting must be at least 21 years old.
• Knowledge of quality systems (GMP, HACCP, SQF) – certification ideal.
• Laboratory science technician program or related discipline preferred.

Working Conditions

• Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoon, evening, and overnight may be required. Overtime scheduled as needed.
• Work Environment: Operating in a fast-paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection, and temperatures can get very hot and/or relatively cold (laboratory is temperature controlled). The environment is structured and supervised.
• Travel Requirements: Travel anticipated: Rarely
• Physical Requirements: R = Rarely (0-15%) O = Occasionally (16-45%) F = Frequently (46-100%) Physical Demand R O F Stand or Sit X Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl X Lifting 50 lbs. (minimum 5 lbs. up to 50lbs.) X Carry weight, lift X Walking X Driving X Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance X Visual/Sensory: This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
• Mental Stress: There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy, or similar demands.