Quality Technician

JOB TITLE: Quality Technician

DEPARTMENT:Quality

REPORTS TO: Quality Assurance Supervisor

LOCATION: Onsite in Cranston, RI

About Us

Since 1750, Finlays has been the trusted leader in supplying tea, coffee, and botanical extracts to the world’s leading beverage brands. Focused on delivering exceptional beverage solutions, we empower our customers to create moments of joy with every sip. Our team is built on values of long-term commitment, accountability, continuous improvement, and shared success. When you join us, you're not just taking on a job; you're becoming part of a customer-centric culture driven by collaboration, expertise, and innovation. If you're looking for a place to grow, share your ideas, and make an impact, we’d love to have you on our team.

Description

The Quality Technician will provide logistical support of the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Department and quality related aspects of the Production Department. Inspect all areas of facility and grounds to ensure constant compliance with GMP’s, SSOP and HACCP Procedures. Maintain data bases and other documentation required for Quality Assurance. Performs laboratory testing in support of Quality Assurance and Food Safety. Each responsibility is performed in accordance with food safety procedures.

Responsibilities

Work involves some irregular work schedule. Must be able to lift and routinely carry up to 35 pounds. Required to stand or walk up to 100% of the duty time. Requires some bending and stooping Will be recognized by all staff as having the authority and accountability delegated by the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager and as specified in written procedures and plans to guide staff in duties relative to Food Safety and Quality Assurance.

• Maintains databases and other documentation relative to the department for the purposes of monitoring, evaluating, tracking, and trending interdepartmental data and to ensure constant compliance with standards, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
•  Provides logistical support to ensure accurate labelling of finished goods in accordance with regulatory and customer requirements.
• Conducts and records laboratory testing to verify conformance to established standards and confirmation that critical control points do not exceed critical limits as established in HACCP Plans.
• Respond to all non-conformances to apply corrective actions and implement preventative measures.
• Respond to Production, Quality Assurance and Food Safety concerns by reporting problems to the Quality Assurance Manager.
  
  

 testing/Analyses typical Responsibilities

• Logs, processes, and tracks samples.
• Conducts qualitative and quantitative physical testing.
• Evaluates materials for compliance to standards and specifications.
• Operates laboratory equipment, such as analytical balances, pH meters, brix meters, water activity meters, and ATP meters.
• Prepare standard solutions for calibration and analyses.
  
  

Equipment operation and maintenance Typical Responsibilities

• Learns to evaluate methods and instrument operation problems and to review or analyze test results to locate malfunctions or inconsistencies.
• Maintains and calibrates lab equipment.
• Maintains supply of solutions, reagents and other lab testing materials.
• Must be able to make decisions pertaining to acceptance and rejection of manufactured goods.
• Hold or release of goods.
• Halting or allowing production.
• Application of corrective actions and preventive measures.
  
  

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree: Degree Preferred. Experience in food processing or related field preferred.
• Professional Experience: 1-2 years working experience in Quality and Food Safety Systems, ideally in a Food Safety Team Leader role.
• Other Working Experience: Experience in the food and beverage industry preferred. Strong working knowledge of microbiology.
• Technology: Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.)
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills and must be fluent in English.
  
  

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Warehouse Setting: The role is primarily based in a warehouse manufacturing environment with occasional use of the office area. Manufacturing area is a large space with industrial equipment that fluctuates in temperature. Office area has equipment such as computers, phones, and printers.
• Team Collaboration: Frequent interaction with team members and other departments, requiring effective communication and collaboration.
• Noise Level: The noise level in the work environment may be loud. The use of ear plugs will be required in specified areas.
• Sitting: Occasional periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Communication: Regularly required to talk and hear, both in person and over the phone.
• Mobility: Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
  
  

Quality Statement

Our Quality and Food Safety Management strategy is anchored by our food safety and quality culture and a two-pronged approach to “be the best” as we produce “only the best”. Every employee has a role to play in this strategy as outlined by the following:

• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements so that we make consistently safe, quality products.
• Ensure the presence of visitors, contractors, and customers are documented on each visit in and out of the facility to maintain good manufacturing practices, allergen controls, food defense/food security and HACCP controls.
• Report all food safety and quality issues to management immediately.
• Partner with colleagues across all functions to share knowledge, skills, and information regarding quality and food safety.
• Adhere to all health and safety work practices.
• Exhibit an understanding of quality and food safety standards and be able to speak about the Finlays quality and food safety system and your role in it.
• Handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner so that the customer is put first, always.
• Participate fully in Finlays programs that drive continuous improvement methodologies.
  
  

Any employee in doubt as to the role they play in the Finlays quality and food safety management system must reach out to the site Quality Manager or VP of Quality.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Finlays Americas is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.