Quality Assurance Specialist

At Van Holten’s Pickles, we’re all about making bold, fun, and high-quality products. As a Quality Assurance Specialist, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our food safety and quality standards stay top-notch. This is a hands-on position where your attention to detail and problem-solving skills will make a real impact. If you’re looking for a company that values teamwork, continuous improvement, and a little bit of fun, we’d love to have you on board!

JOB SUMMARY: The Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for supporting Van Holten’s Food Safety and Quality Assurance documentation, ensuring product quality, and maintaining high food safety standards. This role plays a key part in driving innovation and improving product quality by collaborating with the R&D team, addressing customer concerns, and assisting with regulatory compliance. The position requires a detail-oriented and proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Food Safety Audits and Inspections
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly food safety and quality audits to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Communicate audit and test results in a timely, confidential, and professional manner.
• Support corrective actions and preventive measures based on audit results and non-conformances.
• Documentation and Compliance
• Maintain food safety systems documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with regulatory documentation and ensure proper record-keeping for compliance purposes.
• Support preparation for and participation in third-party audits.
• Understand ERP system procedures for lot tracking and product holds.

Product and Process Improvement

• Collaborate with the R&D team to support new products and formulation development efforts.
• Monitor and address customer complaints, ensuring accurate documentation and timely resolution.
• Assist in maintaining testing equipment and performing regular equipment inventories.

Training and Development

• Assist in training employees on food safety and quality assurance procedures.
• Train testing station employees on proper testing protocols.
• Help with shift transitions by communicating food safety, quality, or sanitation issues to production supervisors.

Support and Additional Duties

• Provide backup support to the FSQA Manager and assist with seasonal cucumber intake, tankyard testing, documentation, and employee training.
• Perform analytical and biological testing station work, maintaining results and reports.
• Prepare and send out samples and swabs for third-party testing.
• Collaborate with the production team during line audits and ensure continuous improvement in the production process.
• Support food safety and quality assurance projects as needed.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Fluent in English (both written and verbal).
• Associate degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office and ERP systems.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, and efficiently work independently.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Positive, resilient, and results-oriented approach

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• HACCP and PCQI Certification
• Proficiency in food safety programs (e.g., SQF, BRC).
• Experience managing or enforcing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Strong interest in furthering certifications and continuing education in food safety and quality assurance.
• Experience in food safety and quality assurance in the food processing industry.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM. Occasional overtime may be required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to function in an environment with fluctuating temperatures and varying levels of noise.
• Must be able to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods and perform moderate physical tasks such as lifting to 45 lbs. when required.
• Willingness to work in conditions typical of food manufacturing environments, including some exposure to chemicals and equipment.

Why Join Us?

At Van Holten’s, we take our results seriously—but not ourselves. We’re a growing, fun, and hardworking team that values steady improvement, innovation, and a good sense of humor. If you want to make an impact and be part of a company that’s all about quality and bold ideas, we’d love to meet you!

Apply today and help us make great pickles even better!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:

• Food safety: 1 year (Preferred)
• Quality assurance: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Waterloo, WI 53594: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $30