Quality Food Technician Lead

The Quality Lead performs administrative and laboratory duties established by the QA Supervisor. This position requires an individual willing to follow all established regulations, company policies, and cross-train in laboratory equipment, methods, procedures, and sensory evaluations. 

SKILLS, TRAITS, & COMPETENCIES:

·         Leadership experience. Ability to direct others without direct reporting authority

·         Good organizational, critical thinking, and planning abilities

·         Good communication skills

·         Familiar with MS Excel, Word, Outlook, and ERP databases

·         High sense of urgency, able to drive projects and tasks to completion

·         Collaborative; thrives in a team environment

·   Flexibility to work various shifts as production demands require, including early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Plan/schedule, prioritize, assign, and participate in work for performing laboratory test data.

·         Ensure test data (raw material, intermediate, & finished product) is collected, reviewed, entered, and reported; includes HPLC & Chromatograms meet requirements and tolerances.

·         Ensures entry of data in company database and Hold log (as applicable) for conforming and non-conforming.

·         Report any out of specification result to QA Manager with escalation for corrective Action.

·         Supports quality and supply chain management in ensuring that finished product COAs are issued.

·         Supports QA management and Production to define quality procedures and frequency of testing and prepares and reviews laboratory SOPs and Lab Test Procedures (LTPs).

·         Ensures laboratory staff are adequately trained on quality, food safety and occupational safety & that lab tests, and procedures are properly understood, carried out, and evaluated.

·         Supports QA management & Purchasing department in reviewing and updating product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability expectations for raw material (external suppliers), ingredients, intermediate and finished products. 

·         Coordinates the specialized testing of products at outside accredited laboratories.

·         Leads the calibration program with the laboratory and plant.

·         Performs preventive maintenance on critical laboratory equipment and works with outside vendors and contractors on specialized equipment servicing.

·         Conducts verification, validation and proficiency testing activities on specific assigned laboratory instruments and personnel as applicable.

·         Conducts specialized analytical testing when required.

·         Monitors laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables for the QC laboratory.

·         Assists the QA Manager in laboratory budget preparation, tracking and reporting.

·         Supports QA leadership regarding SQF, organic, customer and regulatory and internal audit compliance.

·         Provides coverage and support of the laboratory technicians when required.

·         Any other reasonable duty assigned by management.

Requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

·         Prolonged periods of standing, sitting, or bending

·         Visual acuity required to perform inspections

·         Climbing stairs and ladders

·   Ability to work in high-temperature environments

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Health and Wellness Incentives
• 10 Days of PTO
• 10 Paid Company Holidays
• 5 Personal Days
• 401(k)
• Health Savings Account (H.S.A.)
• Long-Term and Short-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)