Quality Assurance Specialist

Job Purpose

Develop, implement, and manage all quality-related documentation and training for the facility. Support Quality Assurance department with focus on received, in-process, and finished product quality.

Essential Functions

• Participate in facility investigations to identify root cause of non-conforming material; maintain non-conforming material log and update as non-conforming material is held or released
• Assist with supplier incident program
• Conduct finished product sampling to aid in resolution of quality holds
• Participate in cycle counts and inventory audits as needed
• Work closely with QA Manager to investigate and resolve customer complaints
• Review and track retained samples
• Conduct line clearances and pre-op inspections as needed
• Oversee label review process, i.e., new and updated labels, ensuring correct use in production
• Monitor and track labeling process on production floor; troubleshoot labeling issues as they arise
• Serve as QA department’s Alchemy Systems expert using creator to develop training, OPLs, etc.
• Assist with preparing, documenting, and sending microbiological samples to third-party lab as needed
• Partner with QA Manager in ongoing certification process for plant GFSI, Gluten-Free, RSPO, organic standards and others
• Participate in all customer and GFSI audits as documentation subject-matter expert
• Participate in facility internal audits
• Complete new product specifications and line trials as needed
• Create and manage all quality documents; update as needed
• Assist with maintenance and audits of document control process
• Review, file, and maintain all production QA documents
• Update and maintain receiving documents including allergen matrix, GF Matrix, Organic Matrix to ensure current and correct information is available
• Act as customer liaison for documentation: complete customer documents and forms as needed; provide customers with required documents, statistical reports, and certificates as requested
• Manage incoming COAs; create and provide COAs to customers as requested
• Work with plant teams to resolve documentation issues; conduct training as needed
• Serve as backup within the QA department
• Support food safety program, quality standards, and legality of manufactured products
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications (Education, Experience, Competencies)

• Minimum 2-year post-secondary education in a technical field or quality-related program or equivalent work experience; bachelor’s degree in a scientific field preferred
• Prior quality assurance and document control experience preferred
• Knowledge and experience in general food safety and quality programs; prior GFSI audit and FDA experience desired
• HACCP certification required; PCQI certification preferred
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; technical writing experience desired
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, completeness, and accuracy
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Self-motivated, quality driven, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment

Salary Range: $22-30/hour