Quality Assurance Technician - (Food Manufacturing)

PURPOSE STATEMENT:
Performs the activities related to microbiological, analytical, performance and sensory evaluation using established methods and procedures. Understands, trains in and enforces BRC Global Standards for Food Safety including but not limited to formula control, data integrity, HACCP, GMPs, process monitoring, communication and document control, customer specifications, regulatory, RPC Quality and reliability standards

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitors and audits product and processes from receiving through shipping to ensure all food safety and quality requirements are met.
• Supports and adheres to all company safety rules and programs to provide safe working conditions for all associates.
• Conducts microbiological, analytical, performance and organoleptic testing on ingredients, packaging, work in process and finished products to ensure all materials meet standard quality requirements.
• Assists in maintaining database of required lab data.
• May be required to observe processes and work closely with plant personnel and Corporate R&D to develop and maintain detailed and accurate plant floor work instructions for formulas and product specifications.
• May help train batch operators, filling operators and other plant personnel on formula and specification requirements, GMPs, processing, laboratory and evaluation procedures.
• Verifies that process controls, weight control, HACCP and finished product specifications are adhered to by regularly auditing procedures and paperwork.
• May assist plant and R&D personnel to test and commercialize new products or changes to existing products, collect and send process data and product samples to authorized RPC associates and external customers.
• Initiates, documents and tracks changes to products and processes, including those related to supplier changes for ingredients & packaging material and engineering changes to equipment and/or processes.
• Demonstrate high moral character and ethics.
• Adheres to company codes of conduct.
• Works closely with plant Production Teams to monitor product runs, investigate and solve product quality issues, ensure compliance to GMP practices, sanitation programs, BRC Standards, product safety and all RPC, Kosher/Halal and regulatory requirements.
• Initiates holds of ingredients or finished products that do not meet RPC product safety or quality requirements.
• Ensures that the Hold and Release program is properly followed.
• Recommends improvements in manufacturing methods, sanitation practices, laboratory practices, testing methods and equipment to the management team.
• Keeps informed of latest manufacturing technologies, systems, and quality control practices.
• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of all products manufactured by the plant as well as the raw materials, packaging materials, and operations required in the manufacturing process including quality specifications and standards.
• Participates in QA 6S meetings and PIT (Process Improvement Teams) to discuss quality and sanitation issues and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Helps set goals and establish timetables to meet project guidelines and business objectives.
• Performs other related responsibilities, as needed, to support *** Corporation's business objectives.
• Notifies management of all deviations.

Skills/Experience:
Degree in Biology, Food Science, Food Technology or related field preferred.
3+ years experience in a food-processing, pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing industry.
Experience in Dairy or Non-Dairy manufacturing is HIGHLY desired.
Demonstrated knowledge and application of quality assurance techniques and tools and quality management principles in a food, chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment
Demonstrated knowledge of efficient and safe manufacturing operations to include GMPs, HACCP, product and associate safety, product quality, and cost control (minimizing downtime and waste, optimizing yield)
Demonstrated ability to train associates as well as plan, monitor and schedule tasks and projects
Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems
Demonstrated ability to formulate and understand basic statistical analysis.
Proficient using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook. Proficient or ability to become proficient in Microsoft Access, MiniTab, QAD, SAP, OPTIVA.

Food Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all GMPs, food safety, and quality policies.
• Ensures all GMP and all Food hygiene and Food safety standards are in compliance.
• Report all food safety incidents such as GMP violations, ingredient and product contamination, metal detector, screen, or magnet deficiencies, glass breakage, and pest harborage.
• Review food defense and quality records for precision, accuracy, and conformance to document control procedures, providing written verification as required.
• Ensure employee compliance in the areas of food defense, food regulations, and product / process quality; provide adequate coaching as needed.
• Provide immediate and long-term corrective action in the event of non-compliance to food defense and quality policies.
• Record accurate and legible results on documentation
• Provide adequate housekeeping at all times.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Will be required to perform tasks such as lifting up to 25 Kilograms (55.12 pounds), walking, standing, climbing, reaching, stooping, pulling, pushing, grasping, and balancing as part of production activities out on the floor. Will be required to see and hear well enough to understand associates questions and respond to their concerns, answer phones and greet customers, vendors, Corporate Associates, etc. Will be required to work in both warm and cold environments, near noisy machinery, and near confined spaces as part of daily production activities.