Quality Assurance Technician

Role: Full-Time Quality Assurance Technician

Role Description

The Quality Assurance Technician will work with the Quality Assurance Manager to assist with maintaining food quality and safety in the candy manufacturing facility. With at least two years of experience working in food quality and safety, this person is a highly organized, detail-oriented self-starter. They work well both independently and with both office and production team members. This role is full time on-site in our Union, New Jersey facility.

Primary Responsibilities

• Understand and assist with maintaining Quality Assurance documents that are part of the company Safe Quality Food System (SQF), HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points), Pre-requisite programs, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Prepare, review and verify corresponding records to ensure procedures and records are followed and completed appropriately.
• Ensure good documentation practices are followed and all records are filed and maintained.
• Monitor daily Quality Control Checks and address any non-conformances.
• Conduct daily walk-throughs of the facility to ensure all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Food Safety Standards are being followed by employees.
• Participate in and lead Monthly Internal Inspections.
• Train all personnel at the facility in Food Safety topics such as GMPs, HACCP, SOPs, Allergen Control etc.
• Collection of finished goods, product contact swabs, air quality plates and water samples to send to an external accredited laboratory.
• Work closely with the Quality Assurance Manager in the annual Supplier Approval Process.
• Verify CoAs (Certificate of Analysis) for all incoming raw materials/ingredients.
• Work closely with the Sales Department and Quality Assurance Manager to review, investigate and respond to customer or consumer complaints.
• Work with the Sales, Shipping, Purchasing and Production Departments to assist with any returns, holds and releasing of any non-compliant ingredients, packaging, finished product or work in progress. holds.
• Work closely with the Quality Assurance Manager to ensure the Safe Quality Food System is maintained and kept current.
• Assist the Quality Assurance Manager and Production Personnel in documenting, reporting and investigating, the root causes of quality, food safety incidents and non-conformances that may arise and performing corrective and preventive actions.
• Assist the Sales Department in providing customers with any requested product information, food safety and quality requests.
• Oversee the outside Pest Control Program.
• Work closely with the Quality Assurance Manager to prepare for and participate in annual third party audits.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of FDA/FSMA, HACCP, Safe Quality Food Systems (SQF), Food Defense, Food Fraud, Internal Auditing and GMPs.
• Knowledge of safe food handling.
• Excellent Communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Effective Time Management.
• Ability to follow written procedures and monitor others for adherence to written procedures.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• HACCP, Food Defense Coordinator, PCQI and SQF Practitioner Certifications Ideal.
• At least 2 years prior experience working in the field.
• Ability to work outside of regular office hours if needed for training purposes.

EOE Statement

Ce De Candy, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, disability or protected veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Job Type: Full-time (33-hour work week), hourly

Pay: $26-31 per hour (DOE)

Benefits: Profit-Sharing Plan and 401(k), Health Insurance including dental, vision and Rx coverage.

Work Location: Five days per week in Union, NJ.

Company Description

Smarties Candy Company, a family-owned and women-run business with 75 years of success, is a household name and Halloween favorite. With two cutting-edge facilities in Union, New Jersey, and Newmarket, Ontario, we meticulously craft Smarties 24/7. Beyond the iconic Smarties roll, our diverse product line includes an array of beloved confections such as additional flavors, sizes, childhood favorites like Candy Necklaces and Love Hearts for your Valentine, alongside lickable Lollies and squishable Squashies. Join our dynamic team and help us spread happiness wherever candy is savored, making every moment a little sweeter together!

Mandatory Questions

How many years of experience in food quality and safety do you currently have?

Are you willing to undergo a background check, in accordance with local law/regulations?

Are you willing and able to work on site in Union NJ every day, Monday through Friday?

Do you have HACCP, Food Defense Coordinator, PCQI and/or SQF Practitioner Certifications? If so, from what date(s)?