Quality Lead

Essential Job Functions:

• Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in the warehouse or production areas (including but not limited to hairnets/beard nets, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel toe boots and seatbelts while operating forklifts).
• Responsible to adhere to food quality and food safety as per quality standards and/or Safe Quality Food requirements.
• Perform all duties in the QA Technician job description as needed.
• Monitor and maintain microbiology program, in process quality, lab testing and equipment, water treatment system in accordance with the requirements of the production schedule.
• Ensure accurate test results by maintaining proper operation, cleanliness and calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness at all times within Good Laboratory Practice.
• Conduct routine checks on production line as needed and act as initial Quality point of contact.
• Test products on hold and determine disposition.
• Assist seam evaluations with OEM vendors as needed.
• Prepare and send product samples as required.
• Send water samples to 3rd party laboratory quarterly and annually.
• Conduct or carry out training as required to maintain and optimize performance or increase cross-function ability between departments.
• Conduct verification inspections of employee tasks or reports as needed to ensure product quality.
• Execute job according to QA standards and testing requirements in order to maximize process and minimize non-conformance.
• Assign work delegation as directed by Management.
• Must accurately complete all associated documents as per QA SOP Manual.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Excel, Word, SAP and Power Point.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems, results oriented.
• Exposure to using measurement tools and equipment (e.g., HPLC, Densitometer, pH, etc) preferred.
• High level of precision and accuracy in inspection and testing processes.
• Familiarity with GFSI, GMP, and other relevant standards and regulations preferred.
• Understanding of Food Safety/Quality Requirements.
• Able to read and understand metric system.
• Prior inspection experience in a laboratory setting.
• Organized and detail oriented, adaptable to change.

Competencies:

• Technical: Skilled in maintaining accurate and detailed records of inspections and tests.
• Integrity: Commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in all quality assurance activities. 
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing production environments and requirements. 
• Communication: Clear and concise communication with production staff and management.
• Problem-Solving Skills – ability to troubleshoot machinery and production issues efficiently, collaborating with others to resolve complex issues, adaptability to changing circumstances and willingness to implement new procedures.

Education and Experience:

• Highschool diploma or equivalent.
• 3 - 4 years of experience in Quality within a manufacturing environment, preferable food/beverage industry.
• Laboratory experience required.
• In plants co-packaging alcoholic beverages, sensory tasting must be at least 21 years old.
• Knowledge of quality systems (GMP, HACCP, SQF) – certification ideal.

Working Conditions:

• Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoon, evening, and overnight may be required. Overtime scheduled as needed.
• Work Environment: Operating in a fast-paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection and temperatures can get very hot and/or relatively cold (laboratory is temperature controlled). The environment is structured and supervised.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel anticipated: Rarely

Physical Requirements:

• Visual/Sensory: This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
• Mental Stress: There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy, or similar demands.

Other Duties:

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Refresco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national orientation, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.