Quality Assurance Lead

Job Purpose

Implement, monitor, and document quality initiatives as well as provide quality support for production and manufacturing departments under the direction of the QA Supervisor/Manager. Perform a variety of routine to complex tasks including sampling, inspecting, and analyzing raw material, finished product, and work in progress for quality and food safety in compliance with Company and customer standards.

Essential Functions

• Monitor daily QA Technician activities to ensure company policies are being followed; provide feedback and recommend corrective actions as needed
• Assume necessary operation and administrative duties in the absence of immediate supervisor
• Serve as backup when QA Technicians are on leave (emergency, vacation, sick and/or FMLA
• Assist with training new QA Technicians; assist production with cGMP and safety orientation
• Monitor plant operations to ensure sanitary operational procedures are followed according to cGMPs
• Perform pre-operational inspections and report concerns to QA Supervisor/Manager
• Inspect incoming raw materials; review COAs and CPCs as required
• Initiate and complete the hold process for non-conforming product, raw materials, and other materials as required; follow up and complete disposition when determined
• Monitor and verify CCPs/preventive controls as required
• Perform environmental swabbing for bacteria and pathogens; prepare, document, and send swabs to third party lab as required
• Maintain various production and QA documents
• Perform and lead food safety, quality, and cGMP audits
• Develop quality specifications, assist in the commercialization of new products, and provide assistance during first production runs/plant trials
• Perform label and packaging verificationInitiate actions to prevent non-conformities relating to food safety, product quality, and safety system
• Assist in auditing the food safety/HACCP programSupport facility with required certifications: organic, non-GMO, kosher, etc.
• Assist with regulatory and independent inspections and audits
• Serve as backup for Sanitation Lead (emergency, vacation, sick and/or FMLA)Serve as a resource for other departments as needed to ensure compliance to food safety and quality standards
• Support food safety program, quality standards, and legality of products manufactured in the facility
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Associate's/Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
• 2+ years of experience working in a food manufacturing environment; knowledge of general food safety programs and policies including government regulations
• HACCP and PCQI certified or willing to become certified
• Operational knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office applications
• Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse workforce
• Ability to take initiative and be assertive when needed
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to organize, manage multiple priorities, and maintain high attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.