Sr. QA Tech

Description

General Summary

Oversees food safety and quality monitoring activities in food processing areas and verifies the accuracy and completeness of documentation. Inspects and documents the sanitary condition of the production facility prior to operations start up and ensures deficiencies are corrected. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

· Performs all duties and responsibilities of a Sr. QA Tech as assigned or as needed. 

· May provide guidance to less experienced QA Technicians or production team members in processing areas; assigns and monitors activities; addresses issues as they arise. 

· Observes and documents monitoring of both process and filling/packaging CCP checks. Reviews record real time making corrections as needed, coaching Operators and QA Technicians to improve accuracy of monitoring.

· Documents and reports any food safety or quality issues so that corrective actions can be taken. Participates in investigations, problem solving and determination of corrective and preventive actions, utilizing Quality Tools. 

· Reviews and edits SOPs and Work Orders, verifies implementation.

· Manages non-conforming product programs, tracking disposition and following up on corrective actions.

· Participates in Test Batch procedures such as auditing batches, collecting samples for Intensive Care Program.

· Reviews records to ensure documented food safety and quality limits are met and that corrective actions have been initiated where appropriated

· Performs and documents pre-operational inspection of the production facility to ensure the equipment and facility are in sanitary condition. 

· Swabs the facility environment according to the Environmental Pathogen Monitoring Program and validates allergen changeover procedures with monthly allergen specific swabs.

· Verifies the sanitary condition with pre-op swabs including both ATP and cultured swabs. Tracks and trends sanitation deficiencies and reviews and confirms Master Sanitation Schedule task completion.

· Trains QA Technicians on job specific tasks and procedures including changeover inspections.

· Reviews CCP monitoring paperwork and verifies that deviations are followed by appropriate corrective actions.

· Participates in investigations, problem solving and determination of corrective and preventive actions, utilizing Quality Tools. 

· Participates in daily product review of key sensory attributes of finished products.

Requirements

· Associates in Food Science/Technology, Microbiology or related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred) or 2 years equivalent experience is required. 

· Demonstrated problem solving skills.

· Ability to read, write and speak in English at a level of proficiency to clearly understand items such as food safety documentation, ingredient labels, etc. is required.  

· Proficient computer skills; e-mail, Word, Excel. 

· Food Safety and GMP Training, HACCP certification, Internal Auditor Training, Quality Tools.

· Regular attendance and punctuality are required.

Working Conditions

· Food processing, warehouse and food laboratory environment.

· The environment may be wet or dry and temperatures may range from 25oF to 110oF.

· Regularly required to stand and walk, ability to climb ladders, bend, reach and occasionally lift up to 40 lbs.

· Production demands may require overtime and/or evening or weekend scheduling.