QA Lead

JOB SUMMARY

As a member of the Quality and Production Teams, Quality Assurance (QA) Technicians are responsible to ensure materials, processes, and final product meet quality specifications, and support and maintain quality systems and standards. The Lead shall be the primary trainer for QA Technicians, and first level of escalation for operational quality issues. The Lead shall serve as support in improving and maintaining the Company’s compliance to BRC, FSMA and customer requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for ensuring standardize QA tech onboarding and training
• Continuously improve training program for new hires
• Update Quality Manual to be used as a training guide when needed
• Primary trainer for all new QA techs and spearhead training of new SOPs or initiatives
• Write shift pass downs when a supervisor is not on shift
• Support QC investigations
• Support and coach QA techs when investigating foreign material (FM) or QC events
• Ensure proper documentation of QA paperwork, FM log and QC Hold log are informative and accurate
• Support electronic inventory management to quarantine product appropriately and physical red tags during any/all QC Hold events. (Make sure this gets done correctly)
• Follow up on any additional information needed to complete QC investigation (i.e., Interviewing people involved, resampling products, reviewing documents etc.)
• Ensure finished goods being produced meets all specification for quality and food safety standards.
• Primary for communicating/ escalating concerns during a shift to QA leadership
• Notify QA supervisor or QA manager when issues arise
• Effectively communicate what the issue
• Loop in production or other departments as needed to resolve any issues
• Ensure support for R&D Team for trials, additional sampling or further product evaluation when needed
• When available- you are primary for any Allergen, Sanitation or Pathogen Validations on a line.
• Support paperwork review and filing of documents as authorized and needed
• Support EMP swabbing
• Monitor Preventative Controls and report non-conformance to management; may assist with corrective actions
• Work with QA Supervision for problem solving and operational risk assessment.
• Participate in HACCP and Food Safety Plan review process with the Food Safety Team as needed.
• Be a role model. Help create a positive environment and support team morale. Notify a supervisor if there are any concerns or feedback on QA team members.
• Provide leadership on ensuring facility is kept safe, clean, and production partners are adhering to all the Company’s Food Safety, GMP and Quality Policies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• High School diploma required
• Bachelor of Science or related degree preferred
• Prior experience in a Food Processing facility, quality assurance or in a role closely related to Quality is preferred
• PCQI certification or ability to become certified.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking, communication, and team skills are critical
• Strong time management skills to manage ongoing projects, while supporting Quality during all shifts
• Ability to apply technical principles to solve problems and make data-based decisions
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, decisive nature, and high level of initiative
• Establish credibility-excellent communication skills, written and verbal
• Patience and the ability to communicate in a diverse work environment
• Ability to understand and communicate instructions in English
• Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline-driven environment
• Ability to use and navigate Microsoft Office
• Understanding of basic mathematical calculations, reading numbers and symbols, and record keeping
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and overtime as needed.
• Ability and willingness to learn and apply company standards including, but not limited to lock-out/tag-out, safety practices, GMPs, SOPs, employee handbook, etc.