What are the responsibilities and job description for the QA Specialist position at MAESTRI D'ITALIA INC?
QA Specialist, Food Safety & Quality Assurance (Lakewood, NJ)
At Maestri D'Italia we import, slice and pack deli meats for the US Market.
The QA Specialist will be responsible for monitoring, inspecting, and proposing measures to correct or improve the company’s final products and processes to meet established quality standards. The person in this role will prepare and implement quality assurance policies and procedures and perform routine inspections and quality tests monitoring product performance to identify and address quality issues. The QA Specialist will report directly to the Quality Assurance Manager. Work Environment: While performing part of the duties of this job, the employee is in a manufacturing environment and is regularly exposed to cool and/or cold temperatures (30º - 45º). Candidates must be available to work on-location in the Lakewood, NJ facility.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and maintain product specification database
- Support team tasks as directed including communicating report results and organizing QA documents, files, etc.
- Assist management in the regulatory compliance and food safety programs for the plant operations, to include GMPs, Food Safety Plans (FSMA compliance HARPC) and HACCP Plans.
- Assist with Regulatory Guidance for labeling compliance.
- Communicate critical information accurately and timely in support of department goals.
- Provide support for Factor_ training and compliance initiatives.
- Assist with managing complaint management process
- Responsible for managing and developing internal shelf-life procedures and practices
- Lead internal product evaluations, including sensory analysis, shelf-life studies, and product inspections when an issue arises
- Lead external lab analysis
- Manage customer documentation requests
- Provide technical inputs and daily support to internal groups, such as business and marketing, supply chain, and sales
- Maintain records in compliance with USDA and SQF requirements
- Assist with implementation of sustainability initiatives
- Responsible for compliance and adherence of all employees to facility’s GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices), monitor effectiveness and make recommendations
- Perform other duties as assigned.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience is accepted
- Knowledge of federal, state, and applicable international food industry regulations
- GMP, HACCP or PCQI Certified is preferred
- Strong written and communication skills
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Great interpersonal skills, possess the ability to clearly communicate with people inside and outside of the organization
- Ability to prioritize multiple assignments while meeting deadlines
- Works well independently and as part of a group
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Have experience in deli meats is a plus!
