Quality Assurance Lead

Come join our WHOLESALE PRODUCTION TEAM in Petaluma. 

RUSTIC  BAKERY has been making and serving organic handmade baked goods since  2005. We operate four popular cafes in Marin and have a wholesale  commercial bakery producing flatbread crackers, cookies and crisps in  Petaluma with products sold nationally by fine retailers throughout the  US. We strive for locally sourced ingredients of the highest quality  when making our products and the same goes for our people. We're looking  for individuals with a love of artisan products, who want to bring  their very best and be part of a fresh baked, locally sourced, fast  rising company. 

 BENEFITS

• Competitive pay starting at $24/hour 
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Employee discounts
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company matching funds
• Annual $60 safety shoe allowance

JOB SUMMARY

The Quality Assurance Lead provides frontline technical leadership for quality and food safety on 1st shift. The role combines hands-on QA work with direction of the shift’s Quality Assurance Technicians to ensure products are tested as prescribed and that GMPs, HACCP/SQF requirements, and customer specifications are consistently met. The QA Lead is a primary owner of shift-level problem solving, deviation investigation, and root cause analysis, and supports the development of SOPs, training, and continuous improvement. In the absence of the Quality Assurance Specialist/Manager, the QA Lead supports coverage of the responsibilities below.

Overtime and Saturday hours may be required at times based on the business need.  

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directs the work of the shift’s Quality Assurance Technicians to ensure product is tested as prescribed and that proper techniques, SOPs, and best practices are applied to achieve compliance with product specifications.
• Supports all QA functions on shift, including in-process and finished-product checks and verifications (moisture, pH, weight, size, color, breakage, seal integrity, code date, metal detection, and other analytical checks) as required by customer or specification.
• Verifies that all performance metrics and SOPs are met or exceeded, with a focus on customer expectations.
• Ensures process control checklists and quality/food safety records are completed accurately and on time by operators; reviews for accuracy and completeness and follows up or escalates accordingly.
• Reviews and investigates quality deviations to identify root cause and preventive actions; serves as a primary owner of root cause analysis and problem solving for QA/food safety incidents on shift.
• Identifies, investigates, and determines whether out-of-compliance finished product should be placed on hold; coordinates disposition and/or rework with leadership approval.
• Supports the creation of training materials, SOPs, and work instructions for the successful implementation of and adherence to company, customer, SQF, and regulatory food safety and quality requirements.
• Supports the management and development of the team skills matrix and individual development plans.
• Ensures all laboratory equipment and supporting measuring devices are calibrated and verified on schedule and functioning as designed; troubleshoots or escalates to vendors for effective repair or replacement.
• Ensures customer product sampling is collected and prepared for shipment to the customer as requested.
• Continuously improves processes with regard to defect reduction; supports customer complaint investigations and record review.
• Executes and monitors the SQF Food Safety and Food Quality Plans on shift.
• Performs quality-related system transactions in NetSuite (e.g., product holds, lot/pallet location, transfer orders) and ensures accurate documentation.
• Adheres to and reinforces GMPs, safety, and hygiene requirements; maintains a clean, organized work area.
• Mandatory overtime is required; performs additional duties as prescribed by the Quality Assurance Specialist/Manager.

SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS

• Working knowledge of quality principles, GMPs, HACCP, and SQF requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience with NetSuite and quality management (QMS) software a plus.
• Proven organizational, planning, and time-management skills, with exceptional verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrated people development and conflict-management ability.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with a high attention to detail.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field from an accredited institution; OR an Associate’s degree plus one to two (1–2) years of food manufacturing QA/production experience; OR three (3) or more years of progressive food manufacturing QA/production experience in lieu of a degree.
• Prior lead, trainer, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of HACCP and SQF; HACCP certification (or ability to obtain) preferred.
• Ability to work 1st shift, overtime, on-call, nights, or weekends as needed. 

 Physical & Work Environment Requirements  

• Regularly required to stand and walk; frequently on their feet for extended periods.
• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Specific sensory abilities required include sight, smell, and hearing.
• Must work well under pressure and exercise tact and patience when dealing with co-workers and supervisors

RUSTIC BAKERY invites people of all backgrounds and interests to join our team. We strive for a workplace free from discrimination and harassment and provide equal employment opportunities for all.