Lead Quality Assurance Technician

Vermont Smoke and Cure is actively seeking a detail-oriented Lead Quality Assurance Technician to oversee our food safety and quality programs. If you have a strong technical background in food manufacturing, excel at process improvement, and are passionate about maintaining the highest quality standards while mentoring others, then you could be the ideal candidate for this role!

At Vermont Smoke & Cure we pride ourselves in making delicious meat sticks with the finest flavor in every bite. Our team members are the heart of our organization, and we are proud to work with quality-minded, neighborly, respectful people who do things The Vermont Way. If this sounds like an environment you want to be a part of apply today!

Details:

• Location: This job is on site at our facility in Hinesburg, VT
• Schedule: Monday - Thursday 5 am - 3:30 pm
• Pay Rate: From $24/hour

Job Summary:

The Lead Quality Assurance Technician oversees quality assurance programs and leads initiatives to maintain exceptional product standards. Develops and implements quality management systems, monitors performance metrics, and drives continuous improvement. Combines hands-on technical expertise with team leadership to ensure consistent product excellence while mentoring staff and collaborating across departments.

Responsibilities

• Hold non-conforming product and equipment and create records of non-conforming product and/or equipment.
• Conduct audits in GMP compliance and facility condition, perform trending and recommendations for improvement.
• Perform record review, data entry, and analysis of batch records and process monitoring records.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Sanitation Program by performing operational and environmental monitoring of processing areas and tools, including microbiological and ATP sampling and analysis. Monitor trends and lead corrective action.
• Facilitate VSC training program in compliance with company policies and procedures of VSC’s Food Safety and Quality systems.
• Develop and maintain procedures associated with the Food Safety and Quality systems, including HACCP Plans, Pre-Requisite Programs, and supporting documentation.
• Contributes as a member in the company’s HACCP, Food Defense, and Crisis Management Teams.
• Perform analytical and microbiological sampling and testing of ingredients, process, and finished products.
• Assist in the Management of quality assurance functions and members.
• Follow QMS standards, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrate ability to shape the work and learning path of junior QA member(s).
• Initiate and manage projects/tasks to completion by providing guidance and motivating cross functional partners in a proactive manner.
• Provide action and/or communication to cross functional partners in a timely manner.
• Provide sufficient information on projects/tasks to allow seamless transition/completion by others without direct support.
• Collaboration cross functionally on new product development
• Resume the role of a QA Manager in their absence to ensure continuity of critical functions, including SQF management/prep.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in Quality Assurance, food manufacturing preferred
• Practical knowledge of regulatory, SQF, HACCP, GFSI and other applicable standards desired
• Experience with inspection and testing equipment, tool accuracy and tolerance
• Degree in engineering or related scientific field preferred
• Experience leading others, preferred
• Proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members across departments.

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to sit, stand or walk for prolonged periods of time
• Regularly required to talk and hear
• Regularly required to visually observe objects up close and at a distance
• Regularly requires hands to handle or feel and finger dexterity
• Occasionally required to reach or bend
• Infrequent light physical effort is required

Mental Demands:

• Regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret complex data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks with constant interruptions.
• Regularly requires demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy when interacting with those encountered in the course of work, at times when frustration due to immediate challenges could occur.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in a food manufacturing plant
• English is the primary language; training materials are written in English. For individuals who do not speak English as their primary language, translation will be provided.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

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

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Day shift

Ability to Commute:

• Hinesburg, VT 05461 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24