Quality Control Lab Tech Specialist

KLN Family Brands is a 3rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country. Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products.

At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that “We are a proud people-first company. We are successful because of trust-based relationships and first-rate products for our families and friends. We better the world by caring for others. We challenge. We grow. We inspire.”

Some companies have to “fudge the story” a little. Some need the extra “spin” to shine a positive light on themselves. That’s not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that’s not what we do. We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality of our products, our spirit & moxie, our tradition, and the way we treat our community & beyond. We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company.

Essential Duties: 

• Ensure quality sanitation team is trained in all critical processes and safety procedures. 
• Manage the statistical evaluation of quality data to ensure formulation effectiveness, including ingredient and finished product nutritional analysis. 
• Responsible for the quality control aspects of raw materials and finished products 
• Prepares reports on each test preformed for measuring quality, quantity and composition 
• Assist in setting quality standards and ensure that production is maintained at such standards 
• Maintain quality control equipment and instrumentation 
• Prepare graphs, charts and reports from test results 
• Responsible for maintaining the long-term continuity of production and service quality 
• Keep records of all tests that have been carried out 
• Perform quality control analysis including tests and inspections of products and processes
• Maintain the corporate quality manual and quality records 
• Review facility weigh scale verifications and follow-up on out-of-specification results as necessary 
• Ensure all check sheets are correctly completed and all non-compliance found have had the correct action taken and signed off 
• Coach, motivate and develop quality control team 
• Manage daily finished product cuttings/QA evaluations 
• Follow all procedures to maintain a safe execution of duties 
• Have knowledge on the lab testing equipment (examples: LECO Protein Analyzer, pH meter, water activity, Foss NIR) 
• Have knowledge of the Safety Data Sheets for chemicals used in lab testing and wear proper safety protection equipment 
• Work with peer, supervisors and subordinate groups 
• Perform quality checks on finished product off the production lines 
• Collect samples for analytical testing and product cuttings 
• Collect and retain samples of all products produced 
• Make recommendations for lab improvements 
• Enter results in IFS, Lab database 
• Coordinate commissioning runs with line personnel 
• Verify daily production and finished product sampling meets the facility’s defined testing frequency
• Assist with other duties as assigned

Additional Responsibilities: 

• R&D support for new products

QUALIFICATIONS

• 1-3 years experience in food processing
• 1-3 years experience in leading people
• General mathematical ability
• Proven knowledge in food safety
• Proven knowledge in sanitation and chemical usage
• Self-motivated
• Learning, memorizing, and executing a sequence of procedures
• Basic computer skills

SAFETY

• Ensure all employees receive documented training on required safety topics and additional training as necessary
• Report any injuries or near miss accidents to Supervisor or General Manager
• Follow and enforce all safety instructions and policies
• Wear required PPE, including hard hat and hearing protection

ENVIRONMENTAL

• Work with Minnesota State Pollution Control Agency and record all lab waste
• Document chemical usage and maintain requirements of Option D Air Permit for MPCA
• Ensure work areas are clean and free of debris

FOOD SAFETY

• Assist with monthly food safety and quality meetings
• Attend food safety trainings
• Follow and enforce all GMPs and food safety instructions
• Propose next steps on disposition of food safety and quality non-conformances
• Assist with Pest Control program
• Review and make decisions on Environmental and Finished Product microbiological test results

BENEFITS

• Holiday pay
• Paid Time Off, with an additional day for your birthday!
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• FSA, Medical & Dependent Care
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401K with company match