The Food Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for the monitoring of gold standard product, data collection, document control, GMP’s, and following SQF guidelines to create a safe quality product at all times. Ensures product quality by coordinating the accurate and timely testing of products, monitoring and assisting all product testing. Ensures Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety and plant safety procedures are followed. The QA Technician will work closely with the QA Manager, Production Manager and production teams to create a continuous GMP, SOP and SSOP ongoing training program. The QA Technician must also gain and maintain an intimate knowledge of all company products, procedures and policies. 60% of their time will be spent on the floor and 40% on documentation and paperwork.
Responsibilities include but not limited to;
Participate in Internal Housekeeping/Sanitation/GMP audits
Supports all aspects of quality, including inspection and testing of raw materials, in-process products, finished goods and packaging materials
Responsible for product and packaging integrity and quality checks on each production order
Works in conjunction with Sanitation to perform equipment and utensil swabbing
Responsible for ensuring supplies are maintained
Ensures all production procedures are performed according to approved methods
Ensures that all suppliers are approved and conform to company guidelines for suppliers
Perform product change over checks
Maintain or resolve temperature and humidity controls/issues
Maintain controls
Coordinate mock recalls
Assist QA Manager to perform Quality audits to maintain SQF certification
Investigate customer complaints
Manage and resolve Corrective Actions
Support new product start ups
Coordinate HACCP certification programs
Work with documentation control requirements for all customers
Assist in traceability exercises
Document control coordination
Filing, obsolete documents, document number, updating QA manuals
Writing/updating SOP’s, standard work, tracking spreadsheet updating
Create daily reports regarding packaged products and storage and delivery orders
Perform equipment calibration and function verification
Cover shifts for PTO/Call-In coverage
Responsible for placing non-conforming materials on HOLD and determining the disposition
Must complete all documents and work timely and accurately
Must demonstrate effective verbal and written communication to peers and management
Display Leadership through participation in Plant supported programs around Food Safety, Food Quality and Plant Safety
Responsible for ensuring employees perform verification of procedures
Responsible for ensuring passing scores are achieved in during SQF level II audits
Expected to contribute to the continuous improvement programs of the Facility
Participates in full plant clean up as required
In conjunction with Panning Production and the Packaging Operator, responsible for obtaining, approving, and documenting all requested samples.
Responsible for obtaining batch samples and retained samples; identifying and maintaining as per procedure.
Collect proper amount of customer samples (may vary per customer) and ensure samples are correct or perfect. Record samples per customer guidelines and ship as necessary.
Maintains technical knowledge by attending training and reviewing policies.
Ensures efficient and quality production and positive employee relations by complying with all employment policies, rules, regulations, safety procedures, good manufacturing procedures, product protection standards and actively participating in all training requirements.
Qualifications and Requirements;
HACCP certified
Good communication, math, reading and writing skills.
Able to work at a fast paced repetitive work environment.
Ability to have attention to detail and documentation.
Ability to work both individually as well as part of a team.
Able to lift 25-50 pounds repetitively, climb a ladder and stand for extended periods of time.
Ability to work required shifts, meet attendance requirements, must be flexible and able to work overtime and weekends as needed.
Quality, safety minded, reliable, precise and self-motivated.
Experience as a team leader required
Ability to be organized, prioritize and multitask.
Previous supervisory experience is desired, but not required
Basic computer skills to input data.
Basic telephone etiquette skills.
Ability to have attention to detail and documentation.
Ability to visually inspect products for flaws.
Ability to work individually or as a team.
Ability to interpret, understand and follow detailed procedures.
Ability to communicate irregularities with appropriate personnel.
Ability to be organized, prioritize and multitask.
Ability to make decisions quickly and accurately.
Ability to communicate information one-on-one and in small group situations.
Ability to stand in one area up to 45 minutes per hour.
Ability to work wearing safety equipment and work with chemicals.
Ability to lift and dump 25-50 lb tubs.
Ability to distinguish colors.
Ability to taste test products.
Considerable mental and visual effort.