Quality Control Specialist

How you will make history here…

Serves as the primary point of contact for general quality and thermal processing issues that arise during the shift. Works with Operations and other Teams to ensure compliance with USDA and FDA regulatory requirements. Provides consultation and training in areas such as HACCP, SSOP, GMP and allergens. Oversees ingredient, packaging, and finished product quality and necessary quality related holds. Investigates plant non-conforming product incidents and customer complaints, assisting with conducting root cause analysis and helping to lead corrective action efforts.        Works with Operations and Receiving departments in identifying and segregating packaging and ingredient issues to prevent/manage non-conformance issues.  Participates in the plant's internal audit/inspection processes and corrective/preventive action program. Serves as a backup for other Quality Control Specialists and QA Processing Specialist. Supports Cooker testing tasks.

What you will do…

• Oversee procedures critical to quality systems, compliance and formulation.
• Works closely with the Programs Coordinator on corrective/preventive action programs.
• Serves as the lead contact on shift for food safety continuous improvement efforts.
• As part of the operations team, supports other initiatives including Safety, Total Productive Manufacturing, Diversity/Inclusion, Engagement, etc.
• Assists with commercialization process for new products/product formulations.
• Works closely with Finished Product Inspectors to isolate and contain nonconforming product.

• Investigates in-plant quality incidents (foreign material, nonconforming product)
• Must be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Be confident in decision making and critical thinking skills.
• Hold product handling and storage issues (including those at 3rd party warehouses).

Who you will work with…

Receiving, Maintenance, Production, Finished Product Warehouse 

What you bring to the table… (Must Have)

• High school diploma or GED
• 4+ years QA leadership experience in a food or beverage industry plant environment with an understanding of manufacturing processes

It would be great to have… (Nice to Have)

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• QA leadership experience in a food or beverage industry plant environment with an understanding of manufacturing processes required. Beverage (hot fill and hold) packaging and / or thermal processing (soup & sauces) experience a plus.
• SAP experience preferred
• People management experience preferred
• Technical competence in Microsoft Office
• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills
• Must currently have certification from, or successfully complete, the FDA Better Process School for Retort Operations
• Practical knowledge and application of food safety principles such as HACCP, GMPs, etc.
• Experience with regulatory agencies such as FDA, USDA or State Health Dept.
• Quality data collection and analysis.
• Implementing quality systems and effective auditing procedures