Sr. Quality Specialist

Campari Group is a major player in the global branded spirits industry, with a portfolio of over 50 premium and super premium brands, marketed and distributed in over 190 markets worldwide. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Campari Group owns 25 plants globally and employs approximately 4,700 people.

About the role

The Quality Specialist II will support the Packaging and Distillery Operations for the Wild Turkey Distillery, based predominantly in the Packaging Operation. This position ensures continuous production consistent with established quality standards, Campari specifications, customer expectations, and production goals. The role drives continuous improvement, problem-solving, and provides expertise to support operations and other business facets.

Responsibilities

• Follow prescribed PPE safety and clothing requirements for designated work areas.
• Ensure suppliers and vendors comply with relevant ISO and food safety standards.
• Resolve critical quality issues in collaboration with the North American Quality team.
• Oversee and distribute daily tasks of quality specialists on shift.
• Submit and manage supplier non-conformances.
• Compose and submit daily shift reports.
• Conduct packaging and raw material inspections based on organizational needs.
• Ensure incoming bulk materials (grains, GNS, sweeteners) comply with specifications.
• Execute incoming inspections on packaging materials (glass, corks, closures, etc.).
• Ensure Global End-to-End testing is executed.
• Comply with GMP, ISO, and Food Safety standards.
• Work with internal stakeholders to resolve identified quality risks.
• Perform analytical analyses using DMA’s, Refractometers, Turbidimeters, GC, etc.
• Interpret and train on quality control philosophy to key personnel.
• Train new Quality Specialists.
• Review and revise SOPs and paperwork.
• Support incoming inspections and validation programs for new laboratory equipment.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment, including scheduling outside calibration services.
• Maintain calibration matrix for the plant.
• Conduct on-line checks of processes and finished product to ensure package quality.
• Maintain all quality instrumentation, including calibration and general maintenance.
• Assist in validation of new laboratory equipment.
• Maintain the bottling Sensory Program and conduct sensory analysis on distillery and bottling samples.
• Place non-conforming product on hold pending final disposition.
• Maintain laboratory inventory levels and order supplies as necessary.
• Assist with internal Root Cause Analyses (RCAs) within Quality and cross-departmentally.
• Input and interpret testing data into relevant quality systems.
• Analyze and report trending data to appropriate departments.
• Perform internal audits and GMP inspections.
• Generate export and customer Certificates of Analysis (COA).
• Include all responsibilities of a Quality Specialist I (Bottling & Packaging).
• Ensure all required product and package testing is completed in a timely manner.
• Participate in cost-saving measures and continuous improvement projects.
• Ensure accurate completion and storage of testing and equipment records.
• Work with management to identify Capex needs.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in Quality Control.
• At least 2 years of experience in material quality and incoming inspections.
• ISO 19011 or equivalent certification is required.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Experience in beverage alcohol is a plus.
• Lean Six Sigma Manufacturing techniques a plus.
• Experience with developing/documenting procedures/methods.
• Experience working with high-performance teams.
• Experience with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and FSSC 22000, or other food safety certifications, is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, or a related field.
• Or an Associate’s Degree in a science (or related field) with additional relevant experience.

Skills

• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
• Knowledge of safe handling of hazardous materials, laboratory chemicals, and sensitive equipment.
• Capable of performing sensory analysis for visual, aroma, and/or taste of products containing alcohol (screening test may be conducted prior to hire).
• Analysis of statistical data; experience with Minitab (or similar) is preferred.
• High attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• HACCP Certification and basic FSSC 22000 overview training.
• Working knowledge of TTB regulations.

Managerial Essential Job Functions

• Ability to multi-task in a high-speed manufacturing environment to meet production demands.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Physically able to navigate a plant/production environment, including climbing stairs and elevated walkways.
• Willingness to work independently on off-shifts, weekends, and holidays as necessary.
• Able to follow technical directions and reliably execute tasks.