Senior QA Analyst

Responsibilities

• Conducts essential functions as outlined in Quality Assurance Analyst 2
• Collects samples (ingredients, products, packages) and monitors tests according to established procedures
• Conduct 24-hour product re-testing to ensure critical to quality attributes are maintained
• Run kitchen batch testing including salt, acid, viscosity, pH, sensory (sauces/dressing only)
• Places finished product or raw materials on hold when non-conformances are identified
• Performs sensory setup
• Conducts raw material testing as needed
• Maintain lab equipment in a clean and orderly fashion after each use
• Collects and manages product shipments (customer, R&D, micro, other plants, etc.) as needed
• Collects and manages ingredient shipment to RDQ, comans, plants, etc. as needed
• Collects line and/or in process samples as needed to support troubleshooting efforts
• Weigh flavors and small ingredients as needed to support Operations
• Conduct additional testing such as starch measurements as needed to support Operations
• Test R&D samples for Food Safety & specification development to support new/changed product development
• Conduct warehouse temperature monitoring and report non-conformances as identified
• Conduct facility food safety audits (GMP, glass and brittle plastic, knife, etc.) as assigned
• Collect, label, properly store, and maintain retain samples (daily), finished product micro samples (daily), and shelf-life monitoring samples (as directed)
• This includes stock rotation of retained samples to ensure proper space is maintained
• Trains new Quality Assurance Analyst 1 and 2’s
• Conducts lab equipment calibrations
• Led the COA Management Program including SAP and Trace Gains transactions and zoning in Trace Gains for new raw materials/suppliers
• Owns the Raw Material Management program ensuring proper testing and protocols are being maintained
• Evaluates and performs shelf-life extensions as needed to support operations
• Sensory Program participation and analytics
• Oversees shelf-life monitoring program and reports back results to impacted parties
• Completes production specification sheet setup and maintenance
• Responsible for the Label management program for bottles and drums ensuring that the proper labels are updated and applied during shift operations as needed
• Conducts Process Inspections (Finished Product, Customer specific releases)
• Enters manufacturing date changes in SAP as needed
• Communicates daily shift handoff to Lead and/or Supervisor
• Conducts Behavior Based Observations (BBO) as assigned
• Identifies and recommends methods to improve processes to reduce waste, improve productivity, improve quality and/or consistency

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED (minimum requirement)
• At least 2 years’ experience as a Quality Assurance Analyst 2
• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field preferred
• Proficient knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and FDA/USDA regulations
• Proficient laboratory testing and equipment operation
• Understands key ingredient functionality, processing functions, product attributes, and/or basic food microbiology testing methods
• Strong oral and written communication skills and computer skills
• Proficient knowledge of Quality Management System such as FSQS, audit standards, customer requirements, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to identify risks and promote a proactive food safety and quality culture (food safety/quality minded)
• Proficient insight on inspection techniques for GMP and food safety system compliance
• Proficient micro program knowledge and execution
• Excellent communication, collaboration and teamwork skills
• Strong observational and problem-solving abilities
• Analytical thinking
• Proficient computer skills with basic understanding of key software (i.e., Pathway, Trace Gains, SAP, etc.)
• Organizational skills
• Self-Directed