What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Assurance Specialist position at Oats Overnight?
A Little About Us
Oats Overnight is changing the way people eat breakfast, and since launching in 2016, our high protein spoon-free oatmeal has been enjoyed by over 1,000,000 customers. We are scaling quickly in both direct-to-consumer and retail with the goal of becoming a household brand. We have end-to-end control of all phases of the business, producing and fulfilling the product in-house, which is extremely rare for companies our size. This allows us to create new flavors and products quickly and is a tremendous advantage for our brand – we’re able to give customers a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, highlighting our people and process in content. Being vertically integrated also enables us to incorporate customers directly in the development process.
A Little About How We Do Things
Starting with our founder/CEO and extending to multiple teams across all departments, many of us come from non-traditional backgrounds. This is a superpower – we are not stuck in traditional industry patterns, but instead leverage extreme rationality and first principles thinking to solve problems and find new opportunities. This is a special place to work, and our team is what makes it that way; this is why every employee is also an owner. As such, there is a high level of expectation for all team members.
What We’re Looking For
Oats Overnight is changing the way people eat breakfast, and since launching in 2016, our high protein spoon-free oatmeal has been enjoyed by over 1,000,000 customers. We are scaling quickly in both direct-to-consumer and retail with the goal of becoming a household brand. We have end-to-end control of all phases of the business, producing and fulfilling the product in-house, which is extremely rare for companies our size. This allows us to create new flavors and products quickly and is a tremendous advantage for our brand – we’re able to give customers a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, highlighting our people and process in content. Being vertically integrated also enables us to incorporate customers directly in the development process.
A Little About How We Do Things
Starting with our founder/CEO and extending to multiple teams across all departments, many of us come from non-traditional backgrounds. This is a superpower – we are not stuck in traditional industry patterns, but instead leverage extreme rationality and first principles thinking to solve problems and find new opportunities. This is a special place to work, and our team is what makes it that way; this is why every employee is also an owner. As such, there is a high level of expectation for all team members.
What We’re Looking For
- Someone that can partner and influence at all different levels
- Not afraid to get out into a manufacturing operations environment to work shoulder-to-shoulder with plant leadership to resolve problems and challenges.
- Ability to handle multiple priorities and navigate in a fast moving environment
- Expectations will be clearly set, but an ambitious approach to the work is key
- Ability to artfully convey even subtle or complex messages clearly, as appropriate for the topic and audience.
- A relentless drive to get things done.
- Curious and entrepreneurial mindset.
- Enjoys working in a highly collaborative and supportive team environment
- Flexible, willing, and quick to learn new processes, new technology, and new ways of thinking.
What’s The Job?
We are seeking a Quality Control Specialist to become a part of our rapidly growing team and to ensure our company remains compliant with industry regulations. You will report directly to the QA manager and perform manual and automated tests on company products, calibrate test equipment, and ensure employees are following safety regulations.
What You’ll Be Doing, Stop Scanning and Read This Part
- Being a food safety and quality champion assisting Operations in GMP and SOP compliance.
- Helping ensure compliance with product safety, consistency, and quality standards in alignment with the Oats Overnight Food Safety Plan.
- Review finished product test results to ensure quality and food safety attributes of products meet regulatory and internal specifications to maintain the integrity of Oats Overnight brand.
- Draft Certificate of Analysis based on finished good testing and batch record review..
- Interpret results from laboratory and internal testing to ensure any issues are identified as quickly as possible and resolved
- Maintain finished product testing reports based on laboratory analysis
- Track and trend testing results for quality improvement.
- Coach production associates in assigned area on GMPs, Sanitation, and Quality checks to identify risks factors that could lead to non-conforming product
- Audit batching, processing, and filler paperwork and escalate issues when non-conformances are found
- Coordinate communication between manufacturing, warehousing associates and QA personnel for finished product release.
- Document Customer Complaints, investigate, track and trend complaints for potential food safety issues.
- Maintain records of tests, audits, and other quality procedures to ensure the availability of accurate and thorough information.
- Performs other related and assigned duties as necessary.
What You’ve Done And Who You Are
- Experience and desire to support a culture built on collaboration, sharing of ideas and celebration of successes as well as drive for positive outcomes with cross-functional teams.
- Minimum HS Diploma - prefer some college in Chemistry or Microbiology
- 1-5 years of experience in quality roles in food or dietary supplement manufacturing or equivalent relevant Microbiology or Chemistry degree.
- Be conscientious and reliable
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Multi-tasking skills
- Team player and a self-starter able to work within a team and independently as needed
- Must be able to read and write English
- Computer proficiency with MS Office
- Razor-sharp problem-solving skills
- Strong organizational skill and attention to detail
- Excellent time management skills with proven ability to meet deadlines
- Proven aptitude to manage many competing projects and priorities
- Able to move fluidly between collaborative and independent work styles
- Adept at making assessments quickly and identifying the best course of action
Why You Might Like Working Here
- This is going to be fun.
- Casual, friendly culture. We’re serious about what we do but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.
- We are a fast-growing company, and you will have stock options.
- High growth potential with opportunities to expand
- Free oatmeal. It’s very good.
Why You Might Not Like Working Here
- It’s not a cushy job, the bar is high
- We are growing quickly, and have a fast-paced work environment.
Physical Demands
- Must be able to work with food ingredients, exposure to food allergens
- Must be able to write in English and document all findings with an understanding of grammar and spelling.
- Location: inside an air-conditioned warehouse environment
- You must be able to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards
- You must be able to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards
- Ability to exert 20-50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10-25 pounds of force frequently, to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. The employee is often required to use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
- Able to walk up to 8 hours
- Able to work in multiple facilities, and drive to facilities as needed.
The Perks
- Full Benefits; Medical, Dental, Vision and Life
- Monday - Friday Schedule
- Weekly Pay
- Stock options, every employee is an owner
- Free, delicious oatmeal
And last but never least….
We value people who roll up their sleeves and support their fellow team members. We embrace diversity and encourage equal opportunity every chance we get, and we look forward to learning from people whose backgrounds, skills, and perspectives challenge and enrich our own.
Oats Overnight provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Oats Overnight complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
