Quality Technician

Reports to: Director of Quality and R&D

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

SUMMARY 

Assists Quality Manager regarding Supplier Quality, Research & Development, & Quality Assurance. Ensure that product PFS provides to its customers is consistent and meets the external and internal requirements. Responsible for following company quality procedures, standards, and specifications (Quality Management System). Work with Quality Manager to develop quality measurements that monitor performance of quality systems and processes. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support Supplier qualification & certification 
• Support Packaging specification development and conformance 
• Support Product specification development and conformance
• Work with Innovation Manager to establish supplier quality requirements 
• Follow approval process for product formulas and specifications
• Serve as product expert for PFS
• The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician has the primary role in ensuring all food products produced meet requirements of regulatory bodies, customers, and the Company
• The Technician completes all documentation related to direct food production, product packaging and labeling, food quality, food safety, etc.
• Audit labels and packaging to ensure conformance to regulatory requirements 
• Assist with SQF audit process controls and prerequisite programs to ensure effectiveness
• Compliance with FDA & USDA regulations
• Assist with Customer Complaint and root cause analysis investigations
• Assist with Product traceability and mock recalls
• Complete daily quality checks and documentation on the production lines and processes throughout shift
• Work closely with leadership during production and shut down periods
• Adhere to all facility policies concerning safety, security, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
• Be the example of GMP compliance and coach fellow Employee Owners on GMP compliance
• Complete internal audits for GMPs and other food safety prerequisite programs
• Provide paperwork and verify printed labels for production as needed
• Collect and document microbiological and retention samples of products 
• Verify the effectiveness of cleaning and sanitation through organoleptic inspection and with ATP swabbing
• Collect environmental swab and new equipment swab samples 
• Follow all safety policies and programs
• Work with Employee Owners on proactively improving the company’ quality assurance programs
• QA sampling and testing procedures for inbound product – color, odor, appearance, weight, and ensure product meets label requirements
• Maintain rejection and quarantine process for inbound packaging and product
• Follow & maintain critical supplier and product audit list
• Performs other duties, as assigned, and follows through on requests in a timely manner

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• High School Diploma or GED
• Quality experience preferred
• 2 to 3 years of experience in a food and/or beverage manufacturing environment preferred
• Experience in dry blends and flour-based coatings preferred
• Working knowledge of SQF Food Safety Code or ability to learn
• HACCP Certification or ability to become certified within six months of hire
• Capable of writing detailed reports, providing general day-to-day oversight, and related correspondences 
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Strong problem solving and project management skills 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite and have the ability to learn other technology-based systems
• Ability to manage projects independently and report on results
• Excellent communication skills with internal peers and customers

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Typical work environment includes warehouse and production manufacturing that are both tempered and ambient areas
• The work environment is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job
• Occasional work in a commercial kitchen environment using fryers, blenders, ovens, scales, etc. 
• Must be able to occasionally climb stairs or a ladder to complete tasks
• Position located in a mix of production and office environments and requires a tolerance for consistent cold work environments (-10-40° F), high worker traffic, loud noises, odors, dust, and varying room temperatures
• This position will visit the production floor, frozen storage, and warehouses
• Work flexible shifts as required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to regularly communicate with warehouse, field operations, manufacturing and office personnel
• Frequently required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, and sit for long periods of time
• Frequently lift and/or move items over 50 pounds