Beverage Quality Assurance Sample Coordinator

Description

Job Summary:

The Quality Assurance (QA) Coordinator is responsible for managing the collection, tracking, and organization of product samples to ensure they meet quality standards and regulatory requirements. This role involves coordinating with various departments, maintaining detailed records, and supporting the quality assurance team in testing and analysis processes.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Quality Control & Audits
  • Conduct regular inspections of incoming and outgoing ingredients/ products to ensure they meet quality standards and specifications.
  • Implement and maintain quality control procedures and protocols within the warehouse, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and quality standards.
  • Tracking, communication, and destruction of ingredients, materials, and finished good items as required.
  • Conduct regular audits to verify adherence to quality and safety protocols.
  • Address and resolve quality-related issues or non-conformities promptly.
  • Monitor and document quality metrics, identifying trends, areas for improvement, and opportunities to enhance processes.
  • Participate in quality improvement projects and initiatives, working with warehouse staff to implement changes.
  • Perform in-house analytical testing and quality checks on finished good samples to support quality team as needed.
• Documentation & Reporting
  • Develop, update, and maintain SOPs related to quality assurance, sample handling, and documentation.
  • Maintain accurate records of quality inspections, test results, samples, and audits.
  • Generate reports on sample status, testing outcomes, quality inspections, and key metrics, highlighting areas for improvement.
  • Ensure all documentation is current and compliant with regulatory requirements.
  • Support upkeep and retention of supplier/ingredient approval documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Sample Management
  • Coordinate the collection of product samples from production lines, warehouses, and suppliers.
  • Coordinate and complete ingredient sampling, testing, and reporting.
  • Ensure samples are properly labeled, documented, stored, and distributed for testing, in compliance with QA protocols.
  • Monitor sample testing progress, ensuring timely completion and adherence to internal quality standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Prepare samples for regulatory inspections and audits, maintaining accurate tracking logs, databases, and inventory systems.
  • Communicate sample status and issues to production, supply chain, and QA teams, acting as a liaison between QA and other stakeholders.
  • Identify opportunities to improve sample management processes and implement best practices.
  • Monitor and manage the inventory of sample-related supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels and reordering as needed.
• Collaboration & Communication
  • Train warehouse staff on quality control procedures, best practices, and SOPs.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, supply chain, purchasing, logistics, and customer service, to maintain quality standards throughout the supply chain.
  • Implement feedback mechanisms to gather customer insights and improve quality processes.
  • Coordinate product recalls and returns with the warehouse team, ensuring proper labeling and traceability of products.
• Inventory & Sample Tracking
  • Monitor inventory to ensure proper storage and handling of products, maintaining quality throughout the process.
  • Ensure proper labeling and traceability of products within the warehouse.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in quality assurance, laboratory work, or sample coordination is preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent; an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Quality Assurance) is a plus. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Proficiency with computer systems and software used for sample tracking and documentation (e.g., LIMS, Excel).
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping and sample handling.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple samples and testing schedules simultaneously.
• Good verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with team members and other departments.
• Ability to identify and resolve issues related to sample management and quality testing processes.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMAND

• Constant exposure to allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans
• Constant operation of a computer and other office machinery such as calculator, copy machine, etc.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position over 50% of the time.
• Requires light physical effort. Occasionally lifts or moves light objects (under 10 lbs.).
• Walks, sits, or stands for prolonged periods.
• Requires prolonged machine operation including computer and keyboard equipment.