Quality Lead

About the role

As a Quality Lead, you will work directly with the Quality Assurance manager and your team members to ensure that only the finest product is shipped to our consumers. This includes conducting quality inspections, resolving quality issues, investigating root causes, directing and training team members, and following proper procedure for all documentation. You will also learn the job functions of all quality team members to relieve them during breaks, vacations, or sick leave. Key functions include inventory management, audit preparation, and general leadership.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the QA department team performs and verifies food safety, sanitation, and quality programs per plant food safety plan, prerequisite programs, SSOPs, SOPs, and training.
• Lead the QA team and provide floor support for audit preparation and during audits.
• Serve as a back-up to any hourly team member within the QA department.
• Ensure daily inventory (ingredients or consumables) shortages do not impact the plant’s ability to meet customer demand within FSQA requirements.
• Oversee and verify food safety & quality programs, including:
  • Traceability management and mock recalls.
  • Daily QA paperwork management to ensure correct forms are available for FSQA requirements.
  • Updating and managing QA setup and the weights master log.
  • Lab ingredient inventory management, batching process, traceability paperwork review, and SAP minor usage management.
  • Expired and obsolete product management, collaborating cross-functionally to meet FSQA requirements.
• Implement CCPs and PRPs on the floor, as well as CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Actions).
• Participate in root cause analysis and preventive measures on the floor.
• Conduct QA department training, including onboarding new team members, updating training for current members, and annual requalification.
• Perform daily PCQI audit reviews, track documentation, and follow up on corrective and preventive actions.
• Serve as the leader and first point of contact for plant FSQA procedures and sanitation SSOPs implementation on the floor.
• Provide guidance and support related to FSQA programs to assist training and direction from the FSC and/or FSQA manager.
• Manage the hold management program daily, ensuring affected product is segregated, identified, and properly documented for final disposition.
• Manage department consumable inventory to ensure FSQA tasks can be completed while staying within the FSQA manager’s budget.
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to maintain product quality and compliance with food safety standards.
• Complete and follow FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements and support plant food safety and quality objectives.
• Promptly report and act on any observed or potential food safety hazards, process deviations, or non-conformities.
• Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of the company’s Food Safety Culture.

The QA Lead reports directly to the FSQA Supervisor but may escalate concerns to the Food Safety Coordinator or Specialist in their absence.

Requirements

• 18 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to speak, read, and write English fluently (accommodations available).
• Two or more years of experience in a plant involved with quality and/or food safety tasks.
• Proficiency in the MS Office Suite.
• Ability to routinely and frequently stand, stoop, bend, and lift overhead.
• Ability to differentiate between colors and shifts in colors.

Preferred Qualifications

• HACCP and PCQI Certifications.
• Sanitation experience.
• SAP/CRM experience.
• Results-driven with strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills to foster a culture of proactive FSQA process ownership.

Work Environment

• Safety First: Protective gear provided; GMP training on day one and daily safety tips.
• Surroundings: Work alongside cutting-edge equipment such as automated packing machines, forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and chocolate candy banks/steels.
• Active & Engaging Work: Roles involve extended periods of standing, moving, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable Climate: Most roles are in a climate-controlled environment.
• Appealing Smells: The air is filled with the aroma of chocolate.
• Dress Code: Follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for safety and hygiene.
• Allergens: Exposure to ingredients that may include food allergens such as nuts and milk.