Quality Specialist - Aseptic

Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, producing low-calorie sweeteners, coffee, coffee creamers and liquid water enhancers. We manufacture and market Splenda, the #1 brand in the low calorie sweetener category and the most recognized in the world.

We make coffee, tea and water taste better and help people live happier, healthier and longer lives by making it easy to reduce sugar.

We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package. Come grow with us!

This role is not a remote opportunity, it is on-site at our Manufacturing Plant in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Scope:

The Quality Specialist is responsible for supporting food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance programs within an aseptic food manufacturing facility. This position ensures products are manufactured in accordance with FDA regulations, HACCP requirements, Preventive Controls, customer specifications, and company quality standards. The Quality Specialist works closely with Production, Maintenance, Sanitation, and Supply Chain teams to maintain aseptic process integrity, investigate quality issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the batch record is compliant for final release decision. This includes the following:

• Maintain the release spreadsheet to log the review and release process for all the Aseptic Department

• Reconciling all the batch records and ensure all the documents pertaining to a batch are filed

• Retrieve data and print graphs and logs pertaining to the specific sterility cycle to be filed with each batch record

• Review the documentation, highlight necessary corrections and return to Production

• Submit Processing documentation and Graphs/Logs to QA Supervisor and/or Heartland Process Authority for secondary review.

• Escalate any deviations/OOS results to the QA Supervisor

• Ensure batch release of final product in a timely manner. This includes:

• Coordinating testing with the Laboratories (Analytical and Microbiological) for products that require expedited release

• Coordinate with Commercialization Managers or Warehouse Supervisors on the release timelines for products that have an urgent need to fill orders

• Assist QA Supervisor in material extensions, CAPA investigations, deviations and derogations

• Coordinate with Warehouse on the storage of older batch records in a secure manner

• Develop and sustain relationships with Quality Assurance, Operations and Planning.

• Establish, implement and monitor key performance indicators for batch release.

• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in science required; and 1-2 years in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong expertise in Quality Assurance and Good Documentation requirements.
• Better Process Control School preferred, Low Acid Canned Food experience preferred.
• Must have strong organizational and leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with cross functional departments within the organization
• Strong communication skills required - both verbal and written
• Excellent problem-solving skills and corrective action/resolution skills
• Strong computer skills with experience using Word, Excel, Power Point.
• Requires some release activities during off hours
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of regulatory requirements for food safety

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions
• Must be able to work seated using a computer and phone for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work extended hours, such as daily overtime and an occasional weekend
• Must possess visual acuity to document company records
• Continuous walking throughout plant and distribution center.
• Lifting up to 40 pounds

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