What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Assurance Associate position at Albert Uster Imports?
ABOUT ALBERT USTER IMPORTS
Albert Uster Imports, Inc. ("AUI") is a privately held gourmet food company headquartered in the Washington, DC area (Gaithersburg, MD) with warehouse locations in Kansas City, Las Vegas, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Gaithersburg. AUI falls under the Vestar Capital Partners portfolio with affiliate organization, Roland Foods, LLC.
Founded in 1968, the company offers over 1,400 products from around the world. We serve leading hotels, restaurants, casinos, cruise lines, airlines, and manufacturers with innovative, high quality products and solutions to their most demanding culinary challenges. We operate a network of distribution centers across the U.S. and serve select international markets as well. AUI has a national direct selling organization of over 60 sales professionals and a staff of culinary experts (chefs and food scientists) adept at custom product solutions.
ABOUT THE ROLE
AUI HQ in Gaithersburg is currently hiring a Quality Assurance Associate. The ideal candidate will have basic knowledge of current US Food Regulations, especially related to product compliance or will be able to look up info by independently researching through regulatory documents. This role will communicate with international and domestic suppliers in obtaining needed info and will actively work with cross-functional teams internally – Innovations, Marketing, Purchasing, Customer Service, and Sales teams – so that the food safety and quality control processes and results are understood and meet Regulatory and Company standards. This role will report directly to AUI Quality Assurance Manager.
As a response to the pandemic, Albert Uster Imports office employees have transitioned to a hybrid working schedule, requiring employees to report in-person Monday through Wednesday, with the option to telework on Thursday and Friday each week. Due to the collaborative, cross-functional nature of the organization, employees at the Gaithersburg office are required to work in-person for the abovementioned days, outside of any People & Culture-approved disability accommodation request.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Review AUI product labels in ensuring accurate and proper declaration to comply with company standards, US labeling Laws
- Review and evaluate info provided from suppliers to verify product compliance against US Laws and Regulations per CFR and FSM
- Evaluate each product status and maintain certificates - e.g.: Organic, Kosher, Halal, GMO, allergen status, plant-based, and Clean
- Continuously maintain all product related info in a central product database and communicate to all necessary departments to maintain accuracy of all information channels.
- Responsible to create product specification sheet for new products.
- Oversee and support the AUI Product Red Flag Program in ensuring incoming products are in full compliance.
- Conduct product testing at R&D Test Kitchen on reported non-conformities and ensure proper root cause analysis and solve issues internally and externally in a timely manner.
- Responsible to manage customer complaints and facilitating effective communication with suppliers.
- Responsible to manage customer documentation requests (COA, audit documentation, questionnaire etc.).
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including innovation, logistic, purchasing, customer experience, marketing etc.
- Facilitate AUI Foreign Supplier Verification Program by requesting and maintaining vendor FSQA documentations via an online management portal.
- Perform other relevant FSQA tasks as needed.
- Stay up-to date on industry trends and regulatory changes to ensure continued compliance and best practices.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Required
- General knowledge of Food Safety and Quality; Familiar with analytical and microbiological terms
- Strong computer skills; proficient in Excel and Word
- Capable of obtaining needed info by researching and understanding regulations and laws Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high quality standards.
- Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with team members at all levels
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree in food science or in a related field or equivalent experience
- Experienced with documentation or data management is preferred
- Solid knowledge of food labeling compliance and state/federal laws and regulations
- Knowledge of food safety regulatory, such as HACCP, GMP, FSMA, GFSI
- Excellent organizational skills and detail-oriented
- Ability to work independently and handle multitasks
SALARY RANGE
Albert Uster Imports hires exceptional people to perform a wide variety of important functions that contribute to the success of the Company. One of the ways AUI does that is through a competitive compensation package. The base salary for this role will be $55,000 - $65,000
This role will be bonus eligible.
Based on your qualifications, previous experience, and transferrable skills, the Company will determine at its sole discretion, the salary offered.
Founded by immigrants, AUI & Roland Foods knows that diversity is the spice of life. We believe in the power of food to open minds, spark adventure, and bring diverse people together. All are welcome at our table! We know the transformative value of food in individual lives and communities. Because of this, we insist on obtaining the highest-quality ingredients and talent!
AUI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. AUI considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. AUI is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at peopleandculture@rolandfood.com.
Please read Albert Uster Import's California Job Applicant Privacy Policy here.
Salary : $55,000 - $65,000
